NORTHERN IRELAND

EU Law

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many EU directives are pending transposition into domestic legislation by his Department; and what estimate he has made of the cost of each such transposition.

Owen Paterson: None.

Football: World Cup 2010

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his Department spent on entertainment activities related to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Owen Paterson: The Department did not incur any expenditure on entertainment related to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Weapons

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he has taken to ensure the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning publishes an inventory of the weapons decommissioned by  (a) loyalist and  (b) republican paramilitary organisations in Northern Ireland.

Owen Paterson: The Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD), at the joint request of the British and Irish Governments, is preparing a final report on its work to decommission arms which it will present to the two Governments when completed. I intend to make the report available to Parliament when it is received, following normal consultation with my Irish counterpart in respect of reports addressed to both Governments.
	I would like to take this opportunity to thank the IICD for its hard work and patience over the years, which has undoubtedly helped to forge the path towards normalisation in Northern Ireland today.

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Affordable Housing: Construction

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the effects of the proposed increase in social housing rents to 80 per cent. of markets levels on construction of  (a) social and  (b) affordable housing in each region; and if he will make a statement.

Grant Shapps: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, my hon. Friend the Member for Hazel Grove (Andrew Stunell) on 29 November 2010,  Official Report, columns 470-71W.

Audit Commission: Directors

Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for what reasons the Director of Communications of the Audit Commission left his role.

Bob Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member direct.
	 Letter from Eugene Sullivan, dated 30 November 2010:
	Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply.
	The former Director of Communications and Public Reporting left his post on the grounds of redundancy.

Audit Commission: Hotels

Aidan Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on how many occasions five-star hotels have been booked by the Audit Commission through the Expotel hotel reservations service in the last 12 months; which hotels were booked; and at what cost to the public purse.

Bob Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member direct.
	 Letter from Eugene Sullivan, dated 30 November 2010:
	Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply.
	In the last 12 months, the Audit Commission has booked two five-star hotels through Expotel that, at that time, offered the best value for money:
	 Waldorf Hilton, London
	We booked 12 nights of accommodation for staff attending conferences during the period December 2009 to January 2010 at a total cost of £1,800.00. We paid an average rate of £150 per night, less than the Commission's ceiling rate at the time for a London hotel of £160 per night. The Commission reduced the ceiling rate for a hotel in London to £120 in July 2010.
	 Radisson Edwardian, Manchester
	We booked 11 nights of accommodation for staff attending conferences during the period November 2009 to March 2010 at a total cost of £1,221.52. We paid an average rate of £111.05 per night, less than the Commission's ceiling rate at the time for a hotel outside London of £115. The Commission reduced the ceiling rate for hotels outside London to £90 in July 2010.
	The Commission has not made any bookings for five-star hotels since April 2010.

Audit Commission: Official Hospitality

Aidan Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much the Audit Commission has spent on hospitality since the announcement of its abolition.

Bob Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member direct.
	 Letter from Eugene Sullivan, dated 30 November 2010:
	Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply.
	The Audit Commission has spent £5,063 providing hospitality on three occasions since the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government made his abolition announcement on 13 August 2010.
	In October 2010 the Commission hosted the seventh Eurorai triennial congress and spent £5,000 contributing to the cost of a dinner for 170 delegates. We have already disclosed this item in our monthly publication of all payments over £500.
	Eurorai is an organisation representing over 70 bodies involved in public audit in Europe. A congress is held every three years and the Region of the President elect is the host for this event. In 2007, we agreed that we would act as the host and plans have been underway to organise the congress for the last three years. Following the Secretary of State's announcement on 13 August of the Audit Commission's abolition, we considered our position and, after discussion with CLG officials, we agreed to go ahead with the congress and fulfil our commitment.
	Also in October 2010, the Commission provided hospitality to:
	six Polish visitors on an international academic visit - a full day visit where a sandwich lunch was provided at a total cost of £33.00; and
	six visitors from the Houses of Parliament Spire Project team - an all day workshop where a sandwich lunch was provided at a total cost of £30.00.

Community Cohesion Fund

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which local authorities have received grants from the Community Cohesion Fund; how much each has received; and what information his Department holds on the use to which each grant has been put.

Bob Neill: A table providing information on the 126 local authorities who received grant funding from the Community Cohesion Fund in 2010-11 has been placed in the Library of the House.
	As this is area-based grant funding, the monies are non ring-fenced and it is for local authorities and their communities to identify their local priorities and fund these accordingly. The Department does not monitor how local authorities use their funding.

Council Tax: Lancashire

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the annual change was in the level of council tax precepts for  (a) Hyndburn Council and  (b) Rossendale Council in each year since 1999.

Bob Neill: It is assumed that the hon. Member means council tax levels rather than council tax precepts.
	Details of both the annual change and the percentage change in council tax levels for Hyndburn and Rossendale councils in each year since 1999 are shown in the following tables. These data can also be found on DCLG's website:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/localregional/localgovernmentfinance/statistics/counciltax
	
		
			  Hyndburn council 
			   Band D council tax (including parish precepts)  Band D area council tax (includes parish precepts) 
			   £  Percentage change  £  Percentage change 
			 1999-2000 152 7.0 940 8.2 
			 2000-01 152 0.0 982 4.5 
			 2001-02 163 7.9 1,026 4.5 
			 2002-03 168 2.7 1,098 7.0 
			 2003-04 174 3.9 1,200 9.2 
			 2004-05 181 3.9 1,259 4.9 
			 2005-06 190 5.0 1,300 3.3 
			 2006-07 200 5.0 1,364 4.9 
			 2007-08 210 5.0 1,439 5.5 
			 2008-09 220 5.0 1,493 3.8 
			 2009-10 231 5.0 1,544 3.4 
			 2010-11 231 0.0 1,549 0.4 
		
	
	
		
			  Rossendale council 
			   Band D council tax(including parish precepts)  Band D area council tax (includes parish precepts) 
			   £  Percentage change  £  Percentage change 
			 1999-2000 156 4.3 944 7.8 
			 2000-01 162 4.1 993 5.2 
			 2001-02 166 2.3 1,029 3.6 
			 2002-03 178 6.9 1,108 7.7 
			 2003-04 209 17.4 1,234 11.3 
			 2004-05 219 4.9 1,296 5.1 
			 2005-06 230 5.0 1,340 3.4 
			 2006-07 235 2.2 1,399 4.5 
			 2007-08 242 2.9 1,471 5.1 
			 2008-09 249 2.9 1,522 3.4 
			 2009-10 256 2.9 1,569 3.1 
			 2010-11 256 0.0 1,574 0.3

Departmental Postal Services

Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what services provided by his Department and its predecessors were the subject of a contract with Post Office Ltd in 1997-98 and have subsequently become the subject of a contract with another supplier; and what the monetary value was of each such contract in  (a) 1997-98 and  (b) the latest period for which figures are available in each case.

Bob Neill: The Department no longer holds records of any contracts that may have been held with Post Office Ltd in 1997-98.

Departmental Postal Services

Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which services of his Department and its predecessors have been the subject of a contract awarded in a tender process in which Post Office Ltd submitted a bid since 1997-98.

Bob Neill: The information requested is not held centrally and could be supplied only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Postal Services

Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps his Department has taken to identify those of its services that could be provided through the Post Office network.

Bob Neill: The Department has worked alongside the Cabinet Office to identify opportunities where the Post Office will be able to compete for future Government services but has not matched any of its requirements to services provided by the Post Office network.
	The Government policy statement 'Securing the Post Office Network in the Digital Age' published on 9 November 2010 provides information on the Government's policy for the Post Office and the provision of Government services.
	The Department has had several meetings with Post Office Ltd during the course of the last year to discuss the services they offer that could be of use to councils, and have put them in contact with the Local Government Association to take forward promotion of those opportunities.
	We are supportive of schemes by local authorities to provide support for Post Offices, such as the Essex County Council Post Office Initiative.

Departmental Sponsorship

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what expenditure  (a) his Department and  (b) its non-departmental public bodies incurred on sponsorship in each year since 1997 for which figures are available.

Bob Neill: The Department does not maintain central records of expenditure incurred on sponsorship. I also refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Burton (Andrew Griffiths) on 12 July 2010,  Official Report, column 493W, on a sponsorship contract initiated by the last Government.
	In the financial year 2009-10, the Department's Communication Directorate spent £70,654.90 as a sponsor of the British Darts Organisation and £4,850 as a sponsor of Bowls England, in return for marketing opportunities promoting the Department's Fire Kills fire safety campaign.

Fires Services: Grants

Bob Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what percentage of the overall income of each fire service in 2009-10 came from central Government grants.

Bob Neill: The proportion of the total income for each single purpose Fire and Rescue Authority in England in 2009-10 which came from central Government grants is as follows.
	
		
			   Central Government grants as a percentage of total income 
			 Greater Manchester Fire and CD Authority 64.2 
			 Merseyside Fire and CD Authority 62.6 
			 South Yorkshire Fire and CD Authority 61.8 
			 Tyne and Wear Fire and CD Authority 59.7 
			 West Midlands Fire and CD Authority 67.5 
			 West Yorkshire Fire and CD Authority 62.3 
			 Avon Combined Fire Authority 54.7 
			 Bedfordshire Combined Fire Authority 40.4 
			 Berkshire Combined Fire Authority 46.8 
			 Buckinghamshire Combined Fire Authority 41.7 
			 Cambridgeshire Combined Fire Authority 47.4 
			 Cheshire Combined Fire Authority 44.3 
			 Cleveland Combined Fire Authority 67.5 
			 Derbyshire Combined Fire Authority 47.1 
			 Devon and Somerset Combined Fire Authority 47.8 
			 Dorset Combined Fire Authority 43.3 
			 Durham Combined Fire Authority 47.7 
			 East Sussex Combined Fire Authority 37.4 
			 Essex Combined Fire Authority 44.0 
			 Hampshire Combined Fire Authority 44.7 
			 Hereford and Worcester Combined Fire Authority 38.2 
			 Humberside Combined Fire Authority 55.1 
			 Kent Combined Fire Authority 41.6 
			 Lancashire Combined Fire Authority 54.2 
			 Leicestershire Combined Fire Authority 55.3 
			 North Yorkshire Combined Fire Authority 42.9 
			 Nottinghamshire Combined Fire Authority 50.8 
			 Shropshire Combined Fire Authority 39.2 
			 Staffordshire Combined Fire Authority 44.8 
			 Wiltshire Combined Fire Authority 40.2 
			  Source: Department for Communities and Local Government revenue outturn (RO) and capital outturn (CO) returns 
		
	
	The figures for other local authorities providing a fire service cannot be calculated as the formula grant is an unhypothecated grant.
	The definition of central Government grant used here is the sum of formula grant (revenue support grant and redistributed non-domestic rates), specific grants inside Aggregate External Finance (AEF) (i.e. revenue grants paid for council's core services), specific and special revenue grants outside AEF (i.e. where funding is not for authorities' core services, but is passed to a third party, for example, rent allowances and rebates), Area Based Grant and expenditure financed by capital grants from central Government.
	The definition of total income used here is the sum of central Government grants, council tax requirement, investment income-external receipts and dividends-sales, fees and charges, and in-year capital receipts. It excludes income reported by local authorities under 'other income' in revenue outturn returns as this includes internal recharges, which distorts the comparative figures.
	Comparison across years may not be valid owing to changing local authority responsibilities.
	The dependency of local authorities on Government grant will be taken into account in the forthcoming Local Government Finance Settlement.

Housing

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether he plans to make changes to the definition of a local connection in respect of assessments for local authority housing or support.

Andrew Stunell: There are no current plans to change the provisions on local connection in section 199 of the Housing Act 1996 (which apply for the purposes of housing applications made under parts 6 and 7 of the 1996 Act).

Housing: Combined Heat and Power

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether micro-combined heat and power schemes fuelled by liquid petroleum gas are eligible to contribute to performance towards attaining sustainable home status.

Andrew Stunell: Yes. Micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) is a recognised technology under Standard Assessment Procedure for Energy Rating of Dwellings (SAP) and the Code for Sustainable Homes (the Code.). When micro-CHP schemes are fuelled by liquid petroleum gas, they contribute to performance towards attaining sustainability in a home. SAP 2009 includes generic emissions factors for different variants of liquid petroleum gas. Appendix N of SAP considers micro-CHP as an alternative to a conventional domestic boiler. Micro-CHP can contribute to meeting the Code standards, specifically under "Ene 1: Dwelling Emission rate and Ene 7: Low and Zero Carbon Technologies".

Housing: Construction

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the likely effects of his proposal to offset numbers of demolitions against the number of new build homes planned on  (a) areas with high numbers of empty properties,  (b) areas in respect of which local authorities have proposed demolition programmes and  (c) incentives to (i) undertake regeneration projects and (ii) demolish buildings; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Stunell: The aim of the New Homes Bonus is to provide a powerful, simple, transparent and permanent means of incentivising local authorities to increase their housing supply. The consultation stage impact assessment makes an estimate of the potential supply impact, based on a number of possible behavioural responses of local authorities. This can be viewed in the current consultation available on the Department for Communities and Local Government Website at:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingsupply/newhomesbonus/
	Almost £1 billion will be set aside for the New Homes Bonus over the spending review period, including nearly £200 million in year one, and we have made it clear that funding beyond these levels will come from formula grant which will match fund the additional council tax raised for new homes and properties brought back into use, for the following six years, with an additional amount for affordable homes.
	Under the consultation proposals we are also incentivising local authorities to bring empty homes back into use, by removing them from the council tax base calculations. This also means the authorities demolishing homes classified as empty homes would not be penalised.
	The Government are giving communities and neighbourhoods new rights, powers and tools that they could use to drive forward local regeneration and growth, enhancing their ability to benefit from the New Homes Bonus. We are giving local communities and councils greater control over what happens locally, and greater ability to secure and channel public resources, and to attract private and social investment. In addition, the recently established Regional Growth Fund (£1.4 billion over three years), the European Regional Development Fund, and the continuation of Regional Development Agencies and the Homes and Community Agency committed schemes will support local regeneration and growth.

Housing: Construction

Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many housing completions there were in the Southampton unitary authority area in each of the last five years.

Grant Shapps: The following table shows the number of new build dwellings completed in each financial year from 2005-06 to 2009-10 for Southampton unitary authority.
	
		
			  Dwellings completed 
			  Number 
			  Completions  Private enterprise  Registered social landlords  Local authority  All 
			 2005-06 800 - - - 
			 2006-07 800 - - - 
			 2007-08 480 20 0 500 
			 2008-09 470 10 0 480 
			 2009-10 200 20 0 210 
			  Note:  Estimates for registered social landlords, local authority, and therefore total new build dwellings are not available for 2005-06 and 2007-08 because of incomplete data.   Source:  National House-Building Council and returns from Southampton unitary authority.

Housing: Empty Property

Stephen Mosley: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many empty homes there are in  (a) City of Chester constituency and  (b) the North West; and how many such homes have been empty for six months or more in each of those areas.

Bob Neill: Data are not available at constituency level. Relevant billing authorities have reported that the total number of empty dwellings and the number of dwellings that have been empty for six months or more and are substantially unfurnished in Cheshire East, and in Cheshire West and Chester, are as shown in the following table. The data are a snap shot taken as at 4 October 2010.
	
		
			   Total empty homes  Long term empty 
			 Cheshire East 6,745 3,843 
			 Cheshire West and Chester 4,797 2,079 
		
	
	Aggregation of equivalent data from all billing authorities in North West statistical region indicates that the total number of empty dwellings and the number of dwellings that have been empty for six months or more are as follows:
	
		
			  North West statistical region 
			 Total empty homes 136,905 
			 Long term empty 67,042 
		
	
	The data are taken from the council tax base (CTB) and CTB (Supplementary) forms completed annually in October by all billing authorities in England and returned to the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Housing: Insulation

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many homes in the  (a) private rented,  (b) social and  (c) owner-occupied sector in (i) England, (ii) Hyndburn and (iii) Haslingden (A) are unfit for habitation and (B) do not meet his Department's minimum guidelines on insulation.

Andrew Stunell: Following the repeal of the Fitness Standard under the Housing Act 2004, the Department for Communities and Local Government no longer makes, or requires from local authorities, an assessment of the number of homes unfit for habitation. The Housing Health and Safety Rating System introduced a new approach to the evaluation of potential risks to health and safety from any deficiencies identified in dwellings. It was introduced in the Housing Act 2004, and came into force on 6 April 2006, replacing the "fitness standard" as the statutory minimum standard for housing and as one component of the decent homes measurement.
	The Department does not set out minimum guidelines on insulation for existing housing.
	The English Housing Survey provides a national-only estimate of the number of dwellings that do not meet the insulation requirements of the thermal comfort criterion of the Decent Homes Standard. These requirements are set out in the Guidance for the Decent Homes Standard, available at:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/decenthome
	Estimates for the number of dwellings that do not meet the insulation requirements of the thermal comfort criterion of the Decent Homes Standard in 2008 (the most recent estimates available) are set out in the following table:
	
		
			  Number and percentage of homes not meeting the insulation requirements of the thermal comfort criterion of the Decent Homes standard, 2008 
			   Number ( T housand)  Percentage of the tenure 
			 Owner-occupied 1,488 10 
			 Private rented 531 16 
			 Social rented 363 9 
			 All dwellings 2,381 11 
			  Source: English Housing Survey, 2008. 
		
	
	The Department does not hold this information for Hyndburn or Haslingden.

Local Government Finance

Mark Spencer: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will assess the merits of bringing forward proposals to enable larger parish councils to retain their business rate income.

Bob Neill: We currently have no plans to allow parish councils to retain business rates income. However, the Government are committed to providing incentives for local authorities to promote economic growth through the business rates system. Proposals to enable councils to retain locally raised business rates will be taken forward through the Local Government Resource Review, which starts in January.

Local Government: Voluntary Organisations

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps his Department is taking to ensure that local authority plans to deliver savings do not disproportionately affect the voluntary sector.

Andrew Stunell: Spending decisions are, and will continue to be, a matter for local authorities. We have a rich diversity of voluntary organisations, charities, faith groups, co-operatives, social enterprises and local housing trusts-all of whom already make a huge contribution to local life. The big society means using their potential and involving them even more in delivering what people want. I do not expect local authorities to respond by passing on disproportionate cuts to other service providers, especially the voluntary sector.
	I also draw the attention of the hon. Member to my Department's press release of 14 October 2010 on the valuable role of the voluntary sector, a copy of which I have placed in the Library of the House.

Redundancy: Audit Commission

Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether any  (a) redundancy,  (b) settlement and  (c) termination payments were made to the Director of Communications of the Audit Commission.

Bob Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member direct.
	 Letter from Eugene Sullivan, dated 30 November 2010:
	Your Parliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply.
	The former Director of Communications and Public Reporting left his post on the grounds of redundancy. He received a redundancy payment as provided for in his contract of employment. He was also given a payment in lieu of notice.

Right to Acquire Scheme

Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many right to acquire purchases from housing associations have been facilitated  (a) in total and  (b) with Sharia-compliant financing since January 2005; what the monetary value of such purchases was in each such year; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Stunell: Between 2005-06 and 2009-10, a total of 1,850 sales took place under the right to acquire scheme with an estimated average market value of £94,000 per property acquired. Information by individual year is provided in the following table. Note the information for average market values is based on larger Registered Social Landlords only. None of the sales was made with Sharia-compliant finance.
	
		
			  Right-to-Acquire social housing sales in England 
			   Number  Average market value (£) 
			 2005-06 470 83,000 
			 2006-07 570 87,000 
			 2007-08 540 108,000 
			 2008-09 180 110,000 
			 2009-10 90 98,000 
			  Note: Numbers rounded to nearest 10 homes and market values to £ thousand.  Source: Homes and Communities Agency (numbers) and Tenant Services Authority (market value).

Social Rented Housing

Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent estimate his Department has made of the number of families eligible for social housing that require properties with  (a) four,  (b) three and  (c) two bedrooms who are awaiting the allocation of such a property in each borough in London.

Andrew Stunell: Information is available on numbers of households rather than families. Social housing waiting lists are maintained by local authorities and are open to anyone to join. The number of households registered on social housing waiting lists, along with the number of households requiring one, two, three, more than three, or an unspecified number of bedrooms, as at 1 April each year, is collected from local authorities in England in section C on the annual Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix (HSSA). The latest information for each local authority as at 1 April 2009 is available on the DCLG website:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/1393618.xls
	Where local authorities and registered social landlords operate a common register, households registered with the social landlords will be included in the data. However, registered social landlords are independent bodies and can keep their own waiting lists.
	Information relating to 1 April 2010 will be published on the DCLG website today.

Social Rented Housing: Lambeth

Chuka Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  pursuant to the answer of 8 June 2010,  Official Report, column 136W, on social rented housing: Lambeth, what plans he has for capital allocations under the Decent Homes programme for  (a) Lambeth Living and  (b) United Residents Housing arm's length management organisations in (i) 2011-12 and (ii) 2012-13; and when he expects to announce allocations to all arm's length management organisations for those years;
	(2)  pursuant to the answer of 12 July 2010,  Official Report, column 499W, on social rented housing: Lambeth, what eligibility criteria will apply to proposals for Decent Homes programme funding for arm's length management organisations following the outcomes of the comprehensive spending review;
	(3)  whether he plans to bring forward proposals to provide Decent Homes funding directly to local authorities rather than to an arms length management organisation.

Andrew Stunell: On 11 November 2010,  Official Report, columns 21-22WS, the Minister for Housing and Local Government, my right hon. Friend the Member for Welwyn Hatfield (Grant Shapps) announced that all councils, including those with arm's length management organisations, that have a significant backlog of decent homes work will be eligible for funding from a new single Decent Homes funding stream.
	The funding settlement for the Decent Homes programme over the spending review period had to be set at a level below expectations in order to reduce the massive deficit left by the last Government. A fresh approach to determining need and allocation is therefore needed.
	The Homes and Communities Agency are currently consulting on proposals for the process and criteria for allocating Decent Homes capital funding. This includes a timetable for authorities to make bids following which the Homes and Community Agency hope to make allocations in January or early February. A copy of the proposal document has been placed in the Library of the House.

Travellers: Caravan Sites

Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when his Department expects to bring forward amendments to planning circular ODPM 01/2006 on Gypsy and Traveller sites.

Aidan Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when he plans to implement his proposals to replace draft circular 01/2006 on Gypsy and Traveller sites.

Bob Neill: I refer my hon. Friends to the answer given by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, my right hon. Friend the Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr Pickles) to my hon. Friend the Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood (Eric Ollerenshaw) on 25 November 2010,  Official Report, column 430.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Departmental Air Travel

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with which airlines his Department has contracts.

Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not have contracts with airlines. Flights are booked through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's travel service provider, Hogg Robinson Group, using the fare rates of the Government Air Programme (a framework agreement owned by Buying Solutions) and Hogg Robinson Group.

Departmental Contracts

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 27 July 2010,  Official Report, column 965W, on departmental contracts, whether he has made an estimate of the monetary value of the contracts between his Department and private sector companies which will be terminated early under his Department's planned spending reductions following the outcomes of the comprehensive spending review.

Alistair Burt: There are at present no plans to terminate contracts between the Department and private sector companies following the outcome of the comprehensive spending review.

Developing Countries: Departmental Coordination

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what priority locations he has identified for co-location of posts of his Department and of the Department for International Development.

Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development (DFID) are strongly committed to identifying opportunities for co-location which make operational sense and can save taxpayers' money.
	Specific opportunities for co-location agreed between the two Departments include:
	Ghana: DFID will move into the high commission visa building in Accra in early 2011;
	Barbados: plans are in place for DFID to move into the high commission offices in Bridgetown by autumn 2011;
	India: DFID are considering co-location following a refit of the high commission offices in New Delhi;
	Jerusalem: DFID are progressing a design to build on our compound adjacent to our consular offices.
	We have already co-located staff in Juba and Montserrat.

EU Justice and Home Affairs

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what measures the UK has exercised an opt-in under EU legislative arrangements since May 2010; and what further such measures have been proposed in respect of which the possibility of a UK opt-in arises in that period.

David Lidington: Since May 2010, the UK has exercised its Title V (Justice and Home Affairs) opt-in in relation to six proposals:
	The Council Decision on the signature and provisional application of the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement;
	The Council Decision to sign and conclude the EU-US agreement on the Terrorist Finance Tracking Programme;
	The draft Directive to combat the sexual exploitation of children;
	The Council Decision to conclude the EU-Georgia readmission agreement;
	The draft Directive on the European Investigation Order;
	The draft Directive on the Right to Information.
	The UK has not opted in to a further five Title V measures during this period:
	A Commission proposal on the right to interpretation and translation in criminal proceedings;
	The draft Directive to combat human trafficking;
	The Council Decision on a proposal to amend the EU-Swiss Agreement on the free movement of workers;
	The draft Directive on seasonal workers;
	The draft Directive on legal migration.
	Further proposals adopted by the Commission on which opt-in decisions are also pending are:
	The Council Decision on the negotiating mandate for the EU-Canada Passenger Name Records (PNR) Agreement;
	The Council Decision on the negotiating mandate for the EU-Australia Passenger Name Records (PNR) Agreement;
	The Council Decision on the negotiating mandate for the EU-US Passenger Name Records (PNR) Agreement;
	The Council Decision to negotiate amendments to the agreement between the EU and the EEA;
	The draft Directive on attacks on information systems (cybercrime); and
	The proposal to amend the Eurodac regulation.

Human Rights: Guantanamo Bay

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State and US administration officials on the release of Shaker Aamer from Guantanamo Bay; and if he will make a statement.

Alistair Burt: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary reiterated the Government's request for the release and return to the UK of Shaker Aamer when he met the US Secretary of State in Washington on 17 November 2010. UK officials continue to discuss Mr Aamer's case with officials in the US but the outcome of these discussions is not certain. The decision on Mr Aamer's future lies solely with the US Government.

Iraq: Christianity

Angus MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he received on the killing of 43 people during a Catholic mass in Baghdad on 31 October 2010; and whether he has made recent representations to the Iraqi government on the treatment and protection of Christian minority groups in Iraq.

Alistair Burt: In addition to press reports, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office received frequent reports of the attack on Our Lady of Salvation Church from our embassy in Baghdad. In response, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary raised his concerns when he met with the Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari on 10 November 2010. Mr Zebari confirmed that the Iraqi Government will safeguard the rights and freedoms of all minorities in Iraq.
	Our ambassador to Iraq met with the Iraqi Minister for Human Rights on 11 November 2010 and raised our concerns with her.
	My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister also asked about the recent attacks on Christians in Iraq, and the wider security situation, in a phone call to Prime Minister Nouri-al Maliki on 15 November 2010. Prime Minister Maliki expressed concern at recent developments and said that the Iraqi Government was doing everything possible to tackle the terrorist threat. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made clear the Iraqis had the UK's full support.
	We will continue to press the Iraqi authorities to do all they can to bring to justice those who are responsible for this attack on innocent worshippers, and all Iraq's politicians and diverse communities to work together to tackle the threat of violent extremism.

Iraq: Christianity

Angus MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of the number of Christians killed in Iraq as a result of religious or ethnic violence in each Christian group in  (a) 2008 and  (b) 2009.

Alistair Burt: Unfortunately there are no reliable figures available on the number of Christians killed by ethnic violence in Iraq. However the UK is very concerned by the recent attacks against the Christian community in Iraq. We are doing everything we can to support the Iraqi Government in combating sectarian violence and providing adequate security for all groups.

Iraq: Christianity

Denis MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the killing of  (a) Catholics and  (b) other Christians by extremist Islamist groups in Iraq.

Alistair Burt: In addition to press reports, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has received a number of reports from our embassy in Baghdad on the recent attacks on Christians in the country. These reports do not generally distinguish between Catholics and other Christian groups.
	We utterly condemn any attack against Iraqi citizens, including Christians. We were appalled at the attack on the Our Lady of Salvation Church in Baghdad on 31 October 2010, which killed over 50 people and further attacks on 10 November, which targeted mainly Christian areas across Baghdad, killing six and wounding over 30. We welcome the recent arrests of suspects of these attacks.
	We will continue to press the Iraqi authorities to do all they can to bring to justice those who are responsible for this attack on innocent worshippers, and all Iraq's politicians and diverse communities to work together to tackle the threat of violent extremism.

Iraq: Christianity

Mary Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on recent trends in the level of violence towards Christians in Iraq.

Alistair Burt: Recent reports, from both the press and our embassy in Baghdad, have shown an increase in violence towards Christians in Iraq. The attack on the Our Lady of Salvation Church in Baghdad on 31 October was the worst attack on the Christian minority in recent years. The attack was followed by further attacks on mainly Christian areas of Baghdad on 10 November.
	We will continue to press the Iraqi authorities to do all they can to bring to justice those who are responsible for this attack on innocent worshippers, and all Iraq's politicians and diverse communities to work together to tackle the threat of violent extremism.

Lebanon: Foreign Relations

Paul Uppal: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the state of UK relations with Lebanon.

Alistair Burt: As demonstrated during the recent visit of Prime Minister Hariri, the UK is a firm friend of Lebanon. We welcome the period of peace and prosperity that Lebanon has enjoyed since 2008. We want to see this continue and support Lebanon's Government of National Unity which is working to maintain stability. We have recently confirmed further funding for the Special Tribunal on Lebanon. We call on all parties to allow the tribunal to complete its work in the interests of justice.

Uganda: Politics and Government

Jim McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Ugandan government on  (a) freedom of (i) assembly and (ii) expression,  (b) police management of public order and  (c) treatment of the rural media in respect of political reporting during the forthcoming presidential election campaign.

Jeremy Browne: Our high commission in Kampala has discussed issues relating to freedom of assembly and expression (including political reporting) and public order management with the Government of Uganda.
	We have raised the Public Order Management Bill with the Ugandan Minister of Internal Affairs, the Minister of State for Internal Affairs and the Inspector-General of Police. Our high commission has discussed the draft Press and Journalist Bill with the Ugandan Minister for Information and National Guidance. In all cases we have encouraged the Ugandan authorities to ensure that any new legislation strikes an appropriate and legitimate balance between regulation and protection of the rights to freedom of expression and assembly.
	Furthermore, the UK is working to support key institutions in Uganda, including the Electoral Commission, Government and opposition parties, and the police force, to help ensure elections that are as credible and peaceful as possible.

TRANSPORT

Cycling

Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for the continuation of the  (a) Bikeability,  (b) Cycling Towns and Cities and  (c) Finding New Solutions programmes previously funded by Cycling England.

Norman Baker: The current Cycling England programme ends in March 2011, with some transitional activity likely to continue into 2011-12. As part of the Government's commitment to supporting sustainable travel, and to simplify funding for local authorities, I have announced the creation of a Local Sustainable Transport Fund worth £560 million. This will challenge local transport authorities outside London to develop packages of measures that support economic growth and reduce carbon in their communities as well as tackling congestion, delivering cleaner environments, improved safety and increased levels of physical activity. A proportion of the fund will be allocated to provide continued funding for Bikeability. For the remainder of the funding, we will invite local authorities to develop packages of low cost, high value measures which best meet their local needs and effectively address local issues. Measures could include encouraging walking and cycling, such as those demonstrated in the Cycling Towns and Cities and the "Finding New Solutions" projects.

Cycling

Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what quantifiable targets he has to  (a) increase cycle use and  (b) reduce accident risk per kilometre travelled by cycle.

Norman Baker: While there are no quantitative national targets to increase cycle use, the coalition Government are committed to supporting sustainable travel initiatives, including the promotion of cycling. I anticipate cycling will be among the beneficiaries of the £560 million Local Sustainable Transport Fund I announced recently.
	It is primarily for local authorities to take forward actions to increase cycle use and reduce accident risks, including consideration of segregation of cyclists from motor vehicles.
	The UK already has some of the safest roads in the world, but the coalition is considering how to make them even safer. We will produce a new strategic framework for road safety that sets out the Government's vision for road safety, national measures, and how we will work with others to achieve this. We will be discussing this with stakeholders and intend to publish a strategy early next year.

Departmental Empty Property

Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the estimated monetary value is of each vacant  (a) building and  (b) parcel of land owned by his Department in each region.

Norman Baker: The Department for Transport aims to hold only Core property (i.e. which is needed for the delivery of its business). All Non-Core property (unless it is held pending transport scheme use) will be disposed or re-allocated at the earliest opportunity in a way which is both consistent with official guidance and achieves value for money.
	Information in respect of the vacant building and land held by the Department, covering both the Central Department and Executive Agencies, is provided in the following tables.
	
		
			  (a) Building 
			  Region  Number of sites  Value (£) 
			 East midlands 1 89,412 
			 East of England 5 496,048 
			 North-west 3 340,517 
			 South-east 12 3,235,283 
			 South-west 6 1,479,866 
			 West midlands 9 1,148,000 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 8 1,886,190 
			  Note: Data includes dwellings 
		
	
	
		
			  (b) Land 
			  Region  Number of s ites  Value (£) 
			 East midlands 35 637,287 
			 East of England 47 1,470,633 
			 London 7 19,484 
			 North-east 3 12,583 
			 North-west 40 1,234,550 
			 South-east 90 (1)1,908,365 
			 South-west 38 556,170 
			 West midlands 61 1,043,133 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 37 2,159,581 
			 (1) Excludes valuation of a site due to be assessed this year.

EU Light Commercial Vehicles Directive

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what his policy is on the European Commission's long-term efficiency target proposed in the draft EU Light Commercial Vehicles Directive;
	(2)  what his policy is on the inclusion of a long-term target for reductions in emissions in the European Commission's proposal for legislation to reduce levels of carbon dioxide emitted by light commercial vehicles.

Norman Baker: The UK Government strongly support the inclusion of an ambitious but realistic long-term target in the proposed EU new van CO2 regulation. The UK's opening negotiating position was 135g/km in 2022, as our analysis shows that this represents the best approach to deliver significant but cost-effective CO2 savings from vans. However, the UK Government understand that all other member states are negotiating for a 2020 target. Negotiations on this target are ongoing, but it will necessarily be less ambitious than a 2022 target.

Motor Vehicles: Carbon Emissions

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the potential for replacing petrol and diesel powered road vehicles with vehicles which have lower carbon dioxide emissions; and if he will make a statement.

Norman Baker: In 2008, the Department for Transport commissioned research to assess the scope of the transport sector to switch to electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The report concluded that, on a whole-life basis and based on the UK's existing national grid mix, electric vehicles have the potential to offer emissions reductions in the order of 40% and that these benefits would improve with decarbonisation of the UK power mix.
	The report also found that, among the organisations consulted, a consensus view of a trend toward the electrification of the automobile existed, although there remained an uncertainty as to timings, and proportions of technologies likely to be employed (which include electric, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen fuel cell and diesel electric hybrids). This view is consistent with the consensus industry view as set out in the New Automotive Innovation and Growth Team's 2009 'Independent Report on the Future of the Automotive Industry in the UK'.
	Notwithstanding the uncertainties around market development, the research commissioned by the Department suggested that, under a mid-range scenario, by 2020 as many as 800,000 electric and plug-in hybrid cars could be on the road.
	From January 2011, a number of manufacturers will be bringing electric vehicles capable of motorway speeds and ranges of up to 100 miles to the mass market and we therefore expect sales of electric, and shortly thereafter, plug-in hybrid vehicles, to increase. The industry-consensus view suggests that the introduction of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to the general market could start to be seen from the latter part of this decade.

Shipping: Rescue Services

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consultation he proposes to undertake in relation to his intention to remove emergency towing vessels following the outcome of the comprehensive spending review; and if he will make a statement.

Michael Penning: holding answer 25 November 2010
	We have decided that the contract for emergency towing vessels at public expense will not be renewed when it expires in September 2011. Between now and next September, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency will discuss with the shipping and wider maritime industries, and with local interested parties, how commercial tug and salvage arrangements could operate to assist ships that get into difficulty in the future.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

Domestic Violence

Owen Smith: To ask the Attorney-General what recent discussions he has had with the Crown Prosecution Service on the prosecution of cases involving allegations of domestic violence.

Dominic Grieve: None, but as I said in my reply to the oral question from the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne Central (Chi Onwurah), all areas of prosecution policy are kept constantly under review.

Prosecutions: Witnesses

Caroline Nokes: To ask the Attorney-General what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of Crown Prosecution Service expenditure in respect of criminal prosecutions where witnesses failed to attend in  (a) England and  (b) Hampshire in the latest period for which figures are available.

Dominic Grieve: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is responsible for the prosecution of most criminal cases in England and Wales.
	Although it will depend on the precise evidence a witness is due to give and the possibility of the evidence being received by the court through other means, the failure of a witness to attend court could create a situation where the prosecution cannot continue. If this occurs it is likely that the prosecution either has to offer no evidence (the case is dismissed) or, where a trial hearing is ineffective, it has to be adjourned to another day.
	The CPS maintains a record of the primary reasons for unsuccessful outcomes. A summary of the record for 2009-10 where the primary reason was civilian witness non-attendance is shown in the following table:
	
		
			  England and Wales 2009-10 
			   Subject  Volume 
			 Crown Court Total completed crown court cases 110,146 
			  Total CC unsuccessful cases owing to witness non-attendance 155 
			
			 Magistrates Courts Total completed magistrates court cases 872,585 
			  Total MAGS unsuccessful cases owing to witness non-attendance 1,080 
		
	
	A summary of the records for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for 2009-10 where the primary reason was civilian witness non-attendance is shown in the following table:
	
		
			  Hampshire and Isle of Wight 2009-10 
			   Subject  Volume 
			 Crown Court Total completed crown court cases 2,993 
			  Total CC unsuccessful cases owing to witness non-attendance 6 
			
			 Magistrates Courts Total completed magistrates court cases 30,167 
			  Total MAGS unsuccessful cases owing to witness non-attendance 116 
		
	
	In relation to ineffective trials, records are kept of the primary reason for a trial being ineffective. A summary of records for the crown court in England and Wales and Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for 2009-10, where the primary reason was '(civilian) witness absent', is shown in the following table:
	
		
			  Crown Court ineffective trial data: 2009-10 
			   CPS area  England and Wales 
			   Hampshire and Isle of Wight  Percentage of all trials  England and Wales  Percentage of all trials 
			 Total trials listed 1,084 - 40,434 - 
			 Trials ineffective 174 16.1 5,246 13.0 
			 Prosecution witness absent: other 22 2.0 936 2.3 
		
	
	A summary of records for the magistrates courts in England and Wales and Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for 2009-10 where the primary reason for an ineffective trial was '(civilian) witness absent' is shown in the following table:
	
		
			  Magistrates Courts ineffective trial data: 2009-10 
			   Hampshire and Isle of Wight  Percentage of all trials  England and Wales  Percentage of all trials 
			 Total trials listed 6,406 - 181,240 - 
			 Total ineffective 1,309 20.4 33,742 18.6 
			 Prosecution witness absent: other 147 2.3 4,722 2.6 
		
	
	Given the broad range of cases prosecuted by the CPS and the range of implications of witness non-attendance, it is not possible to provide an accurate overall cost to the CPS of witnesses failing to attend court. To fully extract the data would incur disproportionate cost.

Prosecutions: Witnesses

Caroline Nokes: To ask the Attorney-General what proportion of cases in which the Crown Prosecution Service called witnesses from abroad resulted in convictions in the latest period for which figures are available.

Dominic Grieve: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is responsible for the prosecution of criminal cases in the magistrates courts, the youth court and the crown courts in England and Wales.
	The CPS does not keep a central record of the outcome of cases where a witness from abroad had been called to court to give evidence. More detailed enquiries would require staff to manually sift through all CPS records, which would incur a disproportionate cost.

Prosecutions: Witnesses

Caroline Nokes: To ask the Attorney-General how much the Crown Prosecution Service has spent on calling witnesses from abroad in each of the last five years.

Dominic Grieve: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is responsible for the prosecution of criminal cases in the magistrates courts, the youth court and the crown court in England and Wales.
	The CPS accounting system records the value of expenses paid to witnesses for their attendance at courts in England and Wales. According to data extracted from the accounting system, CPS expenditure on foreign witness expenses for the last five years was:
	
		
			   £ 
			 2005-06 877,500 
			 2006-07 757,073 
			 2007-08 733,028 
			 2008-09 848,709 
			 2009-10 795,323

SCOTLAND

Colleges of Education

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met representatives of the Association of Scotland's Colleges; and what matters were discussed.

David Mundell: Scotland's colleges participated in a round-table discussion on employment and welfare reform hosted by the Secretary of State on 24 September. He expects to meet representatives of Scotland's colleges soon.

Convention of Scottish Local Authorities

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met representatives of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities; and what matters were discussed.

David Mundell: The Secretary of State most recently met representatives from COSLA at a round-table meeting he hosted on 24 September to discuss employment and welfare reform.

EU Law

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many EU directives are pending transposition into domestic legislation by his Department; and what estimate he has made of the cost of each such transposition.

David Mundell: There are none.

Grants

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what grants have been awarded by his Department in 2010-11 to date; what grants he plans to award in each of the next two years; what the monetary value is of each such grant; and to which organisations such grants are made.

David Mundell: The Scotland Office has not awarded any grants other than the statutory transfer of the grant to the Scottish Consolidated Fund. There are no plans to award any other type of grant in either of the next two years.

Grants

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much funding his Department has allocated in grants for  (a) 2009-10 and  (b) 2010-11; and how much such funding he plans to allocate for 2011-12.

David Mundell: The Scotland Office does not award grants other than that granted to the Scottish Consolidated Fund. In 2009-10, £26,929,090,000 was granted to the Scottish Consolidated Fund. To date, £17,136,600,00 has been transferred to the Scottish Consolidated Fund in 2010-11.

Scotland Bill

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with departmental devolution champions on the likely provisions of the Scotland Bill.

Michael Moore: The Scotland Bill will deliver the coalition Government's commitment to implement the recommendations of the Commission on Scottish Devolution. I have worked closely with my ministerial colleagues across the UK Government while preparing the Scotland Bill. The devolution champions are a network of officials and my officials have engaged closely with their colleagues in other Departments.

Scottish Trades Union Congress

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met representatives of the Scottish Trades Union Congress; and what matters were discussed.

David Mundell: The Secretary of State has met representatives from the Scottish Trades Union Congress on several occasions in the past few months and discussed a range of matters important to Scotland.

Serving Scotland Better: Scotland

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland pursuant to the answer of 17 November 2010,  Official Report, column 782W, on Serving Scotland Better: Scotland, which Scottish Government Ministers he has met to discuss the recommendations of the report of the Commission on Scottish Devolution; and on what date each such meeting took place.

Michael Moore: I have discussed the coalition Government's commitment to implement the recommendations of the Commission on Scottish Devolution regularly with the Minister for Culture and External Affairs in the Scottish Government and other Scottish Government Ministers.

Worship Grant Scheme

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has discussed with the Chancellor of the Exchequer the likely effects in Scotland of the end of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme.

Michael Moore: I have not had any recent discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. However, the status of the scheme has been reviewed following the spending review and the scheme has been extended for a further four years.

PRIME MINISTER

Afghanistan

Bob Ainsworth: To ask the Prime Minister on what dates he has held meetings at Chequers at which Afghanistan was discussed; and who attended each such meeting.

David Cameron: I discussed the situation in Afghanistan during an introductory meeting with the Chiefs of Staff at Chequers on 15 May 2010. I also met President Karzai at Chequers that day.
	As I set out during my appearance at the Liaison Committee I held a meeting on Afghanistan at Chequers on 1 June 2010. This was attended by members of the National Security Council and a range of external experts.
	A list of membership of the National Security Council is on the Cabinet Office website:
	http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/government-business/cabinet-secretariat.aspx
	In addition, the seminar was attended by the then Chief of the Defence Staff (Sir Jock Stirrup), Sir Peter Ricketts, Sir William Patey, Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, Brigadier James Cowan, the right hon. Lord Ashdown, Lt General Sir Graeme Lamb, James Fergusson and my hon. Friends the Members for Gravesham (Mr Holloway) and for Penrith and The Border (Rory Stewart) and supporting officials.

Departmental Responsibilities: Urban Areas

Nick Brown: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 15 November 2010,  Official Report, column 565W, on departmental responsibilities: urban areas, on what date he plans to make an announcement on Ministers with responsibility for cities in England.

David Cameron: I have nothing further to add to the answer I gave on 15 November 2010,  Official Report, column 565W.

Enterprise Advisers

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to appoint an enterprise adviser.

David Cameron: The Government are committed to doing everything they can to help and promote enterprise by creating the conditions that enable UK businesses to be successful. On Monday 29 November my right hon. Friends the Chancellor of the Exchequer the Chancellor and the Business Secretary launched the Growth Review. This is a fundamental assessment of what each part of Government are doing to provide the conditions for private sector success and to address the barriers faced by industry.

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Biofuels

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he intends to introduce sustainability criteria under the Renewables Obligation for the use of solid and gaseous biomass in the generation of renewable heat.

Charles Hendry: The Renewables Obligation (RO) is the UK's main support mechanism for large-scale renewable electricity generation. The RO also rewards heat through the CHP (combined heat and power) uplift. The CHP uplift gives eligible generators an additional 1/2 ROC in recognition of the efficiency and carbon savings generating both heat and electricity can offer.
	We recently consulted on the introduction of sustainability criteria for the use of solid and gaseous biomass under the Renewables Obligation. The criteria set out in the consultation included a minimum greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions saving of 60% compared to fossil fuel, and general restrictions on the use of materials from land important on carbon or biodiversity grounds. We also proposed that the criteria would be applied to CHP as well as to co-firing or dedicated biomass power plants. The Government response to the consultation is due to be published shortly.

Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme

Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what representations he has received on his proposed alterations to the financial incentives available to participants in the carbon reduction commitment energy efficiency scheme following the spending review 2010.

Gregory Barker: The decision not to proceed with the previous Administration's policy of revenue recycling in the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme was announced on 20 October. The revenue will be used to support the public finances, including spending on the environment. Since October, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have discussed both this decision and the wider review to simplify the CRC with a range of stakeholders, including participants in the scheme. We published a consultation paper on 17 November proposing changes to the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme Order principally to delay the start of the second phase of the CRC in order to give time to review and simplify the scheme. We have received written representations from the retail, hospitality, telecoms, food and drink, metals and manufacturing sectors which will be given careful consideration as we look to consider how best to simplify the scheme, so that it can effectively deliver the energy efficiency improvements that are urgently needed.

Climate Change Act 2008

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change when he expects to report to Parliament on the benefits of greenhouse gas reporting under the requirements of the Climate Change Act 2008.

James Paice: I have been asked to reply.
	The Secretary of State has commissioned a report to assess the contribution that corporate reporting of greenhouse gas emissions makes to the UK meeting its climate change objectives. This report will be laid before Parliament before 1 December 2010.

Coal: Mining

Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many deep mine coal pits are operating in Great Britain; and what proportion of electricity generated in the UK is produced from coal.

Charles Hendry: As at 31 December 2009, there were 13 deep mine coal pits operating in the UK. This total is now 12 following Welbeck colliery ceasing production through exhaustion of workable reserves in May 2010.
	 Source
	Table 2.10, Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics 2010
	In 2009, coal contributed 28% (104,608 GWh) to the UK electricity generation mix (375,663 GWh).
	 Source
	Table 5.6, Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics 2010

Departmental Written Questions

Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many and what proportion of questions tabled to the Secretary of State for written answer on a named day were answered substantively before or on the day named for answer  (a) in Session 2009-10 and  (b) since May 2010; how many such questions tabled between May 2010 and 12 November 2010 had not received a substantive answer by 18 November 2010; and what estimate he has made of the average cost to his Department of answering a question for written answer on a named day on the day named for answer in the latest period for which figures are available.

Gregory Barker: The Government have committed to providing the Procedure Committee with sessional statistics in a standard format on the time taken to respond to written parliamentary questions for the 2009-10 session. This information will be submitted to the Procedure Committee shortly.
	The Department does not hold this information in the format requested. In the period 25 May to 12 November 2010, the Department received 683 ordinary written questions of which 518 (76%) were answered within five sitting days. All 683 questions have now received a substantive answer.
	In the same period the Department received 78 named day questions of which 51 (65%) were answered on or before the day for answer. All 78 questions have now received a substantive answer.
	The Department does not hold centrally estimates of the cost relating to the answering of parliamentary questions. For information on the annual indexation exercise of the costs conducted by HM Treasury, I refer my hon. Friend to the written ministerial statement made by the then Exchequer Secretary (Sarah McCarthy-Fry) on 20 January 2010,  Official Report, column 15WS.

Electricity Generation: EU Action

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent assessment he has made of the merits of a pan-European supergrid.

Charles Hendry: Substantial investment in the electricity networks will be required in the EU over the coming decades in order to move to a low-carbon economy by 2050. We will need a bigger and smarter electricity grid, and new ways of matching supply and demand, including increased interconnection between member states in order to support additional renewable generation.
	I therefore welcome the publication by the European Commission on 17 November of a Communication ("A blueprint for an integrated European energy network"). This outlines the Commission's views on what needs to be done across the EU in order to achieve the investment in electricity and gas networks needed. I look forward to having a first exchange of views on this Communication with my fellow Energy Ministers at the Energy Council on 3 December 2010.
	In recognition of the need to work together with other countries to develop the infrastructure needed to maximise the renewable energy resources in our region, I also plan to sign on 3 December a Memorandum of Understanding with nine other Ministers on the North Seas Offshore Grid Initiative. This will signal our commitment to investigate the options for more co-ordinated development of offshore grids in the North, Irish and Baltic seas. As an initial contribution to the analysis, my Department recently published a report by SKM setting out the findings of research it commissioned on the costs and benefits of different interconnection options for potential renewable generation projects located outside the UK.

Energy: Housing

Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what plans he has for the mechanism for accreditation of general builders undertaking retrofitting work under the proposed Green Deal; and what mechanisms will be in place to prevent rogue traders from undertaking such work.

Gregory Barker: The Green Deal will be underpinned by a certification scheme. This will set the necessary technical standards for installation and competence levels for installers as well as customer care and warranty requirements .
	To ensure that work is carried out to a high standard, all installers operating under the Green Deal will have to adhere to the prescribed certification and skills standard, and to carry a quality mark demonstrating this. We will develop the standard with relevant sectors.

Energy: Prices

Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will take steps to include in the proposed Energy Company Obligation provisions to ensure greater transparency in respect of the proportion of customers' bills charged to cover the cost to the supplier of that obligation; and if he will make a statement.

Gregory Barker: We recognise the need to ensure transparency under the future Energy Company Obligation, including the costs. To this end, we will include provisions in the energy security and green economy Bill that will enable greater, more detailed reporting by obligated companies, including details of costs passed through to consumer energy bills.

Energy: Prices

Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will take steps to ensure that minimum standards for tariffs are proposed in the energy security and green economy Bill.

Gregory Barker: The Energy Security and Green Energy Bill will include powers to require energy suppliers to inform consumers through their bills about the cheapest available tariff to give customers greater control over their energy costs.
	To meet its principal duty, to protect the interests of consumers, Ofgem actively monitors the activities of licence holders, including compliance with its recently introduced standards of conduct. These standards require suppliers not to sell products that are inappropriate to a customer's needs or offer products that are unnecessarily complex or confusing.
	In a recent open letter to suppliers, Ofgem reminded suppliers of their obligations under these standards. A copy of this letter is available online at:
	http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/Markets/RetMkts/ensuppro/Documents1/Open_letter%20on%20transparency.pdf

Energy: Rented Housing

Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will introduce a minimum energy efficiency standard for privately rented homes and social housing; and if he will make a statement.

Gregory Barker: There are no current plans to introduce minimum energy efficiency standards for rental accommodation. The Green Deal has the potential to increase the energy efficiency of homes across all housing sectors and will enable a range of innovative energy efficiency finance packages for landlords and tenants alike.
	We are also seeking powers in the forthcoming energy security and green economy Bill that, from 2015, could require landlords to make reasonable energy efficiency improvements to their properties. These powers will not apply to social housing as the sector has made the largest improvement in energy efficiency in recent years.
	Further ministerial statements will follow in due course, after the energy security and green economy Bill is introduced.

Football: World Cup 2010

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much his Department spent on entertainment activities related to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Climate Change spent nothing on entertainment related to the activities of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Fuel Poverty

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 26 July 2010,  Official Report, column 751W, on fuel poverty, what his definition is of reasonably practicable in respect of measures being carried out to eradicate fuel poverty in all households in England by 2016.

Gregory Barker: What is reasonably practicable in respect of measures being carried out to eradicate fuel poverty in all households in England by 2016 will depend upon the particular measure in question in the particular context. This may include, among others, matters such as the cost of implementing the measure, the effectiveness of the measure, and in respect of heating and insulation measures in particular, the ease of installation and its reliability.

Heating: Carbon Emissions

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what annual leak rate his Department assumes in its 2010 guidelines for company reporting for residential and commercial air conditioning, including heat pumps, in the calculation of greenhouse gas emissions.

Gregory Barker: An annual leak rate of 8.5% is used in the 2010 greenhouse gas conversion factors for company reporting for residential and commercial air conditioning, including heat pumps. The source for this rate is the UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory for 1990-2007 (AEA, 2009) where these UK factors were updated following an expert workshop with industry representatives.

Housing: Insulation

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he made of the  (a) level of domestic gas consumption and  (b) proportion of the change in that level of consumption attributable to the implementation of higher standards in respect of insulation in (i) 2005, (ii) 2006, (iii) 2007, (iv) 2008 and (v) 2009.

Gregory Barker: Statistics on annual gas consumption by households are published in the Digest of UK Energy statistics, copies of which are available in the House Library. Table 4.2 of the 2010 edition indicates the following domestic gas consumption levels.
	
		
			  Domestic gas consumption 
			   GWh 
			 2005 381,879 
			 2006 366,928 
			 2007 352,868 
			 2008 359,554 
			 2009 334,823 
		
	
	Gas consumption can be influenced by a number of factors, including price, external and internal temperatures, age and condition of the boiler and heating system, as well as insulation levels. Between 2005 and 2009 it is estimated that the number of homes with cavity wall insulation has increased from 6.8 million to 10.0 million.
	Analysis published by the Energy Saving Trust, available at
	http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Energy-saving-assumptions
	indicates that savings of around £110 can be made per year by adding cavity wall insulation to a gas heated three bedroom semi-detached property; at 3.67p per kWh this is equivalent to a reduction of around 3,000 kWh per year. However, the actual saving will depend on many factors such as house site and socio-economic factors, as well as varying by household type.
	Quantitative research is currently being carried out to examine the before and after gas consumption in relation to a variety of property types that have had cavities filled and lofts insulated during recent years, and how these compare to control groups. Findings from this research will be published next year.

Industry Taskforce on Peak Oil and Energy Security

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what progress has been made by the UK Industry Taskforce on Peak Oil and Energy Security; and if he will make a statement.

Charles Hendry: The UK Industry Taskforce on Peak Oil and Energy Security is wholly independent of the Government.

Renewable Energy

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much funding from the public purse his Department has allocated to the development of  (a) biofuel,  (b) biomass,  (c) hydroelectricity,  (d) solar energy,  (e) tidal power,  (f) wave power and  (g) wind power in each of the last three years; and how much such funding he plans to allocate in each year of the Comprehensive Spending Review period.

Charles Hendry: The following amounts were spent on support for the development of biofuel, bioenergy, hydroelectricity, solar energy, tidal power, wave power and wind power technologies through the Environmental Transformation Fund and Low Carbon Innovation Funding over the last three financial years.
	
		
			  Spend (£ million) 
			2007-08  2008-09  2009-10 
			  (a) Advanced Biofuels - - 1.0 
			  (b) Bioenergy including Biomass 6.9 14.7 10.8 
			  (e) and  (f) Wave and Tidal Power 0.7 0.7 9.3 
			  (g) Offshore Wind 12.7 2.4 2.0 
			  Low Carbon Buildings Programme (Capital) 6.0 12.4 36.6 
		
	
	The Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP) funds deployment of renewable microgeneration technologies including biomass, hydro, solar energy and wind. Figures for spend from 2006-09 by calendar year are set out in the following table.
	
		
			  Spend (£) 
			2006  2007  2008  2009 
			  (b) Wood Fuelled Boilers 14,602 157,649 261,952 590,633 
			  (g) Wind Turbines 76,949 1,129,918 649,011 1,142,520 
			  (d) Solar Thermal 103,552 1,405,776 1,307,853 2,815,253 
			  (d) Solar PV 156,778 3,934,422 6,129,489 12,894,930 
			  (c) Small Scale Hydro 0 13,000 2,500 128,522 
			  (b) Biomass Stoves 0 102,001 336,461 678,062 
		
	
	2010-11 budgets are as follows.
	
		
			  Spend (£ million) 
			2010-11 
			  (a) Advanced Biofuels 0.5 
			  (b) Bioenergy including Biomass 5.3 
			  (e) and  (f) Wave and Tidal Power 21.0 
			  (g ) Offshore Wind 16.2 
			  Low Carbon Buildings Programme (Capital) 37.1 
		
	
	The Office for Renewable Energy Deployment (ORED) has also undertaken activity to reduce barriers to deployment across the range of renewable technologies.
	The spending review announcement included over £200 million to support the development of innovative energy technologies, of which up to £60 million has been earmarked for offshore wind manufacturing infrastructure at port locations. The Government are currently developing their detailed plans for the allocation of the remainder of this funding.

Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs

Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he has made an estimate of the number of people who installed renewable energy equipment before July 2009 who will not qualify for higher rate feed-in tariffs.

Charles Hendry: The Department has estimated that at 15 July 2009, there were approximately 5,000 existing microgeneration installations in the technologies and scales covered by the Feed-in Tariff scheme. Approximately 3,000 of these generators were registered for the Renewables Obligation.
	The figure of 5,000 generators is an estimate based on the number of installations that have received grants from the following programmes: Clear Skies, Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 1, Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2 and the Major PV Demonstration Programme. This figure is probably an underestimate since it does not include generators that did not receive grants under these schemes.

Renewables Obligation

Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he has assessed the merits of grandfathering bioliquids under the Renewables Obligation separately from, and in advance of, the forthcoming banding review.

Charles Hendry: holding answer 29 November 2010
	Through working with the bioliquids industry, officials have gathered data on the costs and benefits of bioliquids derived from wastes and advanced conversion technologies. This will help inform a decision on whether we should grandfather them under the renewables obligation. Analysis of these data is under way and the work will feed into the ongoing banding review. The timing of decisions is now being considered and a timeline will be issued shortly. DECC officials intend to write to those concerned shortly to clarify the timing on decisions to be taken.

Renewables Obligation: Water Power

George Eustice: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change 
	(1)  whether his Department plans to increase the number of renewable obligation certificates awarded for marine energy in England and Wales from two per milliwatt hour to five per milliwatt hour to align the rest of the UK with Scotland;
	(2)  what plans he has to review the renewables obligation system in respect of marine energy.

Charles Hendry: A banding review of renewables obligation support for all technologies began in October this year and any change to the support level for marine energy will be considered as part of this process. Banding reviews ensure that as market conditions and innovation within sectors change and evolve, developers continue to receive the correct level of support necessary to maintaining investment in the renewables industry.
	Any changes in support levels will be come into effect on 1 April 2013.

Solar Power

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent discussions he has had with  (a) Renewables UK and  (b) the micro-generation sector on the (i) future of solar photovoltaics and (ii) review of feed-in tariffs.

Gregory Barker: The Department has regular contact with a range of interested parties on these issues. Renewables UK and the microgeneration sector have both been directly involved in an ongoing collaborative consultation exercise with the Department launched on 12 July 2010, to engage with industry on the preparation of a new Microgeneration Strategy. The strategy is aimed at addressing the non-financial barriers to the future of microgeneration in the UK. Renewables UK and the microgeneration sector were also both represented at a briefing and discussion session on feed-in tariffs (FITs) on 24 November 2010. The meeting focused on the spending review commitments to review FITs, including solar photovoltaics.

Warm Front Scheme

Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the number of households likely to participate in the Warm Front Scheme in  (a) 2010-11,  (b) 2011-12 and  (c) 2012-13.

Gregory Barker: The Department has estimated that the Warm Front Scheme will assist approximately 150,000 households in 2010-11. As announced in the spending review, DECC will fund a smaller, more targeted Warm Front Scheme over the next two years as we transition to the full roll-out of the Green Deal. We will shortly be consulting on proposed changes to Warm Front to ensure the eligibility criteria reflect our determination to focus on the most vulnerable households.
	The Department has estimated that Warm Front will assist approximately 57,000 households in 2011-12, and 50,000 in 2012-13.

Warm Front Scheme

Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what representations he has received from the Fuel Poverty Advisory Group on the changes made to the Warm Front programme following the Spending Review 2010.

Gregory Barker: I met with Derek Lickorish and Gill Owen, chair and deputy chair of the Fuel Poverty Advisory Group, following the announcement of the spending review. Our discussion covered a number of issues related to fuel poverty, including the Warm Front Scheme.
	Warm Front will continue until the Green Deal is launched. We will work to improve the cost-effectiveness of the Warm Front Scheme by ensuring that Warm Front will be a better targeted programme to help the most vulnerable receive free or subsidised heating and insulation measures. We will be consulting to make sure that the eligibility criteria reflect this.

Wind Power: Planning Permission

Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether his Department plans to adopt a general proximity rule for land-based wind turbine planning applications.

Charles Hendry: No, for the reasons given to my hon. Friend the Member for Selby and Ainsty (Nigel Adams) by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Communications and Local Government, the hon. Member for Bromley and Chiselhurst (Robert Neill) on 11 November 2010,  Official Report, column 461W.

TREASURY

BBC

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent meetings  (a) officials and  (b) special advisers in his Department have had with the director-general of the BBC; and whether pensions were discussed at those meetings.

Danny Alexander: Treasury officials met with the director-general of the BBC on 15 April 2010 to discuss the BBC's Strategy Review.

Child Benefit

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the principle of independent taxation will apply to his proposed changes to child benefit.

Justine Greening: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Wallasey (Ms Eagle) on 23 November 2010,  Official Report, column 267W.

Child Tax Credit

Yvette Cooper: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  how many  (a) men and  (b) women will be affected by the changes to child tax credit announced in the June 2010 Budget by 2014-15;
	(2)  how many  (a) men and  (b) women will be affected by uprating working tax credits by the consumer price index by 2014-15;
	(3)  how many  (a) men and  (b) women will be affected by the freeze to child benefit announced in the June 2010 Budget by 2014-15.

David Gauke: The information requested is not available.

Combined Online Information System

Mark Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the  (a) start-up and  (b) annual running cost of the Combined Online Information System database.

Danny Alexander: The Combined Online Information System (COINS) was developed 2002-05 by extending an existing application, and implemented during 2005, commencing in May of that year.
	The identified cost to the Treasury of development of the COINS system to its implementation is £2.251 million.
	The estimated annual running costs are £800,000 per annum (excluding VAT).

Consumer Prices Index

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he plans to include housing costs in the calculation of the consumer prices index.

Justine Greening: The Chancellor has asked the Governor of the Bank of England for his views on how the process to include housing costs in the consumer prices index (CPI) can be accelerated. The independent Office for National Statistics (ONS), along with the national statistical offices of other European member states is working with the Statistical Office of the European Communities, to assess the most appropriate approach for including an index of owner-occupier housing costs in the CPI in the future. Alongside this international agenda, the CPI Advisory Committee recommended to the UK Statistics Authority in its annual report on 3 November that ONS develops housing cost indices using the net acquisitions and rental equivalence approaches.

Departmental Rail Travel

David Winnick: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many times he has travelled  (a) first and  (b) standard class by train on official duties since 7 May 2010.

Justine Greening: Since May 2010 the Chancellor has travelled first class on Eurostar on five occasions with one standard class trip within the UK. Ministers and officials are expected to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. This may include first class travel where the journey lasts three or more hours, there are disability or other special needs requirements, security concerns or where first class travel is less than the overall cheapest ticket for standard class.

Disability Living Allowance: Care Homes

William Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what forecast he has made of the effect on his Department's expenditure of the removal of the mobility component of disability living allowance in each of the next four financial years.

Justine Greening: The spending review announced the end of payment of the mobility component of disability living allowance for all state funding residents in care homes after 28-days. The mobility component will continue to be paid to other DLA recipients.
	The savings scored at the Budget for the next four financial years are:
	
		
			   £million 
			 2011-12 0 
			 2012-13 60 
			 1213-14 130 
			 2014-15 135 
		
	
	The measure will not apply to residents who meet the full costs of the care home themselves and they will continue to be paid both the care and mobility components of disability living allowance they may be entitled to.
	Local authority contracts with care homes should cover services to meet all a resident's assessed needs, including any assessed mobility needs. So an individual's care, support and mobility needs should be met by residential care providers from social care funding.

Economic Growth: North East

Mary Glindon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate his Department has made of the likely level of growth in the  (a) private and  (b) public sector in the North East in each year of the spending review period.

Justine Greening: The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is responsible for producing independent economic and fiscal forecasts. The OBR's forecast does not include a sub-national forecast.
	The OBR published a new economic forecast on 29 November 2010, which can be found online at:
	http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk
	This includes forecasts for total Government expenditure and employment.
	While forecasts for growth are not made at a sub-national level, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) annually publishes data on Gross Value Added for the English regions. This is available at:
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=14650
	and the next publication is expected in December 2010.

Health Centres: Christchurch

Christopher Chope: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health on the sale of the lease for the former Saxon Square Health Centre in Christchurch; what his Department's role is in  (a) negotiating and  (b) approving the sale; when he expects his Department's decisions on the sale to be communicated to the Department of Health; what the reasons are for the time taken to date; and if he will make a statement.

Danny Alexander: The Treasury reviews spending decisions to protect the taxpayers' interest by ensuring they are value for money and affordable. It endeavours to reply promptly and has already communicated its views on this case to the Department of Health.

Infrastructure Projects: Public Expenditure

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to encourage the development of asset-backed vehicles for accessing private capital for infrastructure projects in local government during the comprehensive spending review period; and if he will make a statement.

Danny Alexander: It is for local authorities to determine the most appropriate and best value for money means of financing local infrastructure projects. The Government are committed to the principle that local authorities make these judgments for themselves. Accessing private capital through asset-backed vehicles is an option available to local authorities where such vehicles do not go beyond a local authority's existing powers.

Member: Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to respond to the letter from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton dated 4 October 2010 with regard to Mrs V. Delahunt, transferred from the Department for Communities and Local Government.

David Gauke: I have replied to the right hon. Member.

Member: Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to respond to the letter from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton dated 2 September 2010, with regard to Mr R. Hamilton.

Mark Hoban: I replied to the right hon. Member on 13 October 2010-copy being provided.

Member: Correspondence

John Baron: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when his Department plans to respond to the letter from the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay of 7 October 2010 and 9 November 2010 regarding child benefit.

David Gauke: I have replied to the hon. Member.

Mortgages

Marcus Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  whether he has assessed the effect of the mortgage market proposals made by the Financial Services Authority on small businesses with a turnover under £1 million;
	(2)  whether he has assessed the effect of the Financial Services Authority's mortgage market review proposals on the  (a) availability of mortgages and  (b) operation of the housing market; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  whether he has discussed with the Council of Mortgage Lenders the proposals on responsible lending made by the Financial Services Authority and their likely effect on the housing market.

Mark Hoban: The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is conducting a wholesale review of mortgage regulation in the UK, the 'Mortgage Market Review'.
	The Government believe that it is right for the FSA to ensure that the UK mortgage market has responsible lending practices. We will continue to work with the FSA, mortgage lenders and intermediaries, and consumer groups to ensure a mortgage market that is sustainable for all participants.
	The FSA published 'Mortgage Market Review: Responsible Lending' in July which set out the detail of some of the proposed changes. This forms one part of an ongoing consultation process.
	The FSA has stated that it will fully assess the potential impact on the market before implementing any rule changes. Further, the FSA will consult in 2011 on transitional measures to help mitigate any adverse effects on existing borrowers.
	Treasury Ministers and officials have discussions with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development and delivery. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Government's practice to provide details of all such discussions.

Private Finance Initiative

Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  whether he has plans to secure savings to the public purse from renegotiation of private finance initiative contracts;
	(2)  if he will have discussions with private finance initiative providers to schools and hospitals for the purposes of encouraging them to renegotiate elements of their contracts in response to the reductions in public expenditure during the comprehensive spending review period.

Danny Alexander: The Government are committed to cutting the deficit by making savings across a broad range of areas. Private finance initiative (PFI) projects are not immune from this process. HM Treasury has identified potential areas for savings in operational PFI projects and officials have met with the major equity holders and other key industry players, including those responsible for schools and hospitals.

Public Expenditure

Michael Dugher: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements are in place for the transfer of budgets between spending Departments following a reallocation of departmental responsibilities; whether his Department is required to approve such transfers; and if he will make a statement.

Danny Alexander: The arrangements for machinery of government changes, including any transfer of resources, are detailed in the "Machinery of government: best practice handbook" published by the Cabinet Office. This publication is available at:
	www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/332838/mog-handbook.pdf

Public Sector: Pay

Andrew Selous: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects the fair pay review to report on the feasibility of paying salaries at the level of the London living wage across the public sector including contracted staff in Government Departments; and if he will make a statement.

Danny Alexander: holding answer 19 November 2010
	The Government supports fair and decent pay from public sector contractors and is looking at contractor policy to ensure both value for the taxpayer and fairness for those whose jobs support the work of Government.
	Will Hutton's Review of Fair Pay in the Public Sector is due to report to the Chancellor and Prime Minister by March 2011 on promoting pay fairness in the public sector by tackling disparities between the lowest and highest paid organisations. The review will produce an interim report, expected in December. The review will comprise robust, evidence based analysis of the scale of the problem and recommendations on how to introduce a public sector pay multiple that would mean that no public sector manager can earn over 20 times more than the lowest person in their organisation. The Terms of Reference can be found at:
	http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/indreview_willhutton_fairpay.htm

Taxation: Offshore Industry

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has plans to introduce a windfall tax on oil and gas extraction companies.

Justine Greening: The Chancellor keeps all taxes under review.

Taxation: Private Rented Housing

Graham Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many landlords in the private rented sector in  (a) Hyndburn,  (b) Haslingden and  (c) England have been required by HM Revenue and Customs to settle taxation arrears in the latest period for which figures are available; what the monetary value of such arrears was; and how many such landlords are resident (i) in the UK and (ii) overseas.

David Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs does not hold information broken down geographically as requested on taxation arrears for landlords with rental property income in any period.
	For the whole of the UK, HMRC holds data showing the additional tax assessed on landlords as a result of compliance activity via its National Property Project. The project generates the vast majority of interventions undertaken by HMRC into landlords for misdeclaration of rental income.
	In the year ended March 2010, the additional tax assessed as a result of those interventions totals approximately £47 million.
	HMRC does not hold data on what amount of tax relating specifically to landlords' rental income remains outstanding.
	HMRC also does not hold information on the residence status of those landlords.

VAT: Electric Vehicles

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent estimate he has made of the potential effect of the implementation of the proposed increase in the standard rate of value added tax on retail sales of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the next three years.

David Gauke: HM Treasury and HM Revenue and Customs do not normally assess the impact of VAT rate changes on individual products; no assessment has been carried out in this case.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Agriculture

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will publish a Green Paper on the long-term strategy for her Department's policies affecting farming and its associated industries; and if she will make a statement.

James Paice: We have no plans to publish a Green Paper on DEFRA's long-term strategy for farming and its associated industries. DEFRA's strategic priorities were recently set out in its Business Plan.
	DEFRA will work to ensure a resilient food chain that delivers a secure, environmentally sustainable and healthy supply of food, with improved animal welfare standards. We are determined to support and develop British farming so that it can capture a greater share of the available market-domestically and internationally-by maximising its productivity and competitiveness.

Agriculture: Finance

Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her Department's budget is for promoting farming  (a) in England and  (b) overseas for 2011-12.

James Paice: The DEFRA promotional budget for farming in England in 2011-12 has yet to be decided. Promotion of English farming overseas is led by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) which is a joint operation between the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Agriculture: Non-domestic Rates

Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the monetary value to the farming industry of exemptions from business rates in the latest period for which figures are available.

James Paice: The most recent estimate of the monetary value of the agricultural exemption from business rates was produced in the Lyons inquiry into local government (March 2007. This can be found at:
	http://www.lyonsinquiry.org.uk/
	This estimated the value to the English farming industry at between £300 million and £450 million.

Agriculture: Personnel

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many people in each county in England were employed in agriculture in each of the last 10 years.

James Paice: A full spreadsheet showing the number of people employed in agriculture by county in England from 2000-09 has been deposited in the House Library.

Agriculture: Subsidies

Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many disputes relating to the Single Farm Payment scheme there have been in each year since 2008.

James Paice: The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has had the following numbers of cases, as reported in the agency's annual reports and accounts for the financial years 2008-09 and 2009-10, referred to its single payments scheme appeal process.
	
		
			  Financial year  Number 
			 2008-09 432 
			 2009-10 418 
			 2010-11 to 31 October 2010 194

Agriculture: Waste Disposal

Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on the use of prime agricultural land for growing crops as a feedstock for anaerobic digesters.

James Paice: The Government have given a commitment to deliver an increase in energy from waste through anaerobic digestion.
	We recognise that, at farm scale, some energy crops may be required in combination with slurries to ensure the efficient operation of the digester. Such crops can be grown as part of the normal agricultural rotation. Furthermore, there is land available which is not suitable for the production of food crops but which may be used to supply energy crops. It is not our policy to encourage energy crops-based anaerobic digestion, particularly where these crops are grown to the exclusion of food producing crops.

Air Pollution

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the effect on levels of polluting emissions from business operations of her Department's guidance to business on reporting on emissions.

James Paice: DEFRA has commissioned a report to assess the contribution that corporate reporting of greenhouse gas emissions makes to the UK meeting its climate change objectives. This report will be laid before Parliament by 1 December 2010.

Badgers

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she plans to take to inform the public in advance of any badger culling activities sanctioned by the Government.

James Paice: A public consultation is currently under way and will close on 8 December. The consultation outlines the Government's proposal on badger control and seeks views from the public on this proposal. Following the consultation, a decision on the Government's approach will be made and Ministers will make a public announcement in early 2011.

Bovine Tuberculosis

Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what new evidence  (a) she and  (b) her Department has evaluated on bovine tuberculosis since the publication of the Krebs report on bovine tuberculosis in 2007.

James Paice: holding answer 25 November 2010
	Since 2007, DEFRA has spent over £24 million on research and development in order to gather evidence to inform the bovine tuberculosis (bTB) control programme(1). Key pieces of evidence that have emerged through this research programme include:
	information on the safety and efficacy of candidate vaccine products for both badgers and cattle
	further data on the impact of badger culling on bTB incidence in cattle, including on-going analysis of TB incidence in cattle in the Randomised Badger Culling Trial areas
	the output of computer modelling studies which simulate the spread of bTB and evaluate potential control options
	an assessment of the effectiveness of husbandry measures in reducing badger visits to farm buildings
	information on the performance of potential novel diagnostic tests, and potential improvements to existing tests, for use in cattle, badgers or environmental samples
	further information on badger ecology and the epidemiology of TB in the badger
	an evaluation of the impact on farmer behaviour of changes in cattle control measures
	preliminary data on the genetics of resistance to bTB infection in cattle
	This evidence is publicly available in the reports of these projects on the DEFRA website.
	(1) Figure covers period from April 2007-March 2010

Carbon Emissions

Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what progress she has made on proposals for mandatory reporting of carbon emissions by UK-listed companies; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  from which  (a) organisations and  (b) individuals she has received representations on the mandatory reporting of carbon emissions by UK-listed companies since 6 May 2010; and if she will make a statement;
	(3)  what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change on the mandatory reporting of carbon emissions by UK-listed companies; and if she will make a statement.

James Paice: holding answer 12 November 2010
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr Wright) on 27 October 2010,  Official Report, column 319W.
	DEFRA has received numerous representations on this issue from members of the public and several large groups and organisations, including the Carbon Disclosure Project, the Co-operative Group, WWF-UK, Christian Aid, the Aldersgate Group and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.
	My noble Friend Lord Henley has had discussions with the Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change, the hon. Member for Bexhill and Battle (Gregory Barker) on the matter of corporate reporting of greenhouse gas emissions by UK companies.

Departmental Press: Subscriptions

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much  (a) her Department and  (b) the non-departmental public bodies for which she is responsible spent on press cuttings services in each of the last 12 months.

Richard Benyon: The cost of press cuttings for each of the last 12 months for DEFRA and the Rural Payments Agency, the Environment Agency, Natural England, British Waterways, the Marine Management Organisation and those parts of the Forestry Commission that are funded by the UK Government are as follows. Executive agencies and NDPBs not listed do not receive a press cuttings service.
	 The Department including its executive agencies
	 Core DEFRA
	November 2009: £16,117.83
	December 2009: £17,509.17
	January 2010: £7,625.70
	February 2010: £3,621.01
	March 2010: £4,908.14
	April 2010: £4,082.04
	May 2010: £4,459.21
	June 2010: £4,811.64
	July 2010: £3,953.36
	August 2010: £5,429.26
	September 2010: £5,489.90
	October 2010: £6,063.64
	 Rural Payments Agency
	The Rural Payments Agency has an annual subscription of £6,960 for its press cuttings service, with additional monthly costs as follows.
	November 2009: £235.58
	December 2009: £410.73
	January 2010 :£357.61
	February 2010: £357.61
	March 2010: £386.62
	April 2010: £383.12
	May 2010: £451.08
	June 2010: £367.80
	July 2010: £412.11
	August 2010: £229.94
	September 2010: £300.90
	October 2010: £236.09
	 Non-departmental public bodies
	 Environment Agency
	November 2009: £8,582.47
	December 2009: £8,241.58
	January 2010: £7,422.30
	February 2010: £7,364.56
	March 2010: £7,239.8
	April 2011: £6,970.45
	May 2010: £6,418.50
	June 2010: £6,857.94
	July 2010: £8,115.91
	August 2010: £6,911.11
	September 2010: £6,985
	October 2010: £7,240
	 Natural England
	November 2009: £4,595
	December 2009: £3,847
	January 2010: £3,661
	February 2010: £4,191
	March 2010: £2,327
	April 2010: £4,320
	May 2010: £3,747
	June 2010: £4,222
	July 2010: £2,228
	August 2010: £319
	September 2010: £319
	October 2010: £319
	 Marine Management Organisation
	Figures are from March 2010 onwards, when the organisation was formed.
	March 2010: £395.02
	April 2010: £223.16
	May 2010: £144.46
	June 2010: £214.90
	July 2010: £264.16
	August 2010: £554.12
	September 2010: £362.14
	October 2010: £460.94
	 British Waterways
	November 2009: £2,576.14
	December 2009: £2,082.12
	January 2010: £2,044.86
	February 2010: £1,196.70
	March 2010: £1,493.90
	April 2010: £1,322.70
	May 2010: £1,164.30
	June 2010: £994.70
	July 2010: £1,868.10
	August 2010: £1,434.30
	September 2010: £1,612.50
	October 2010: £1,788.90
	 Forestry Commission (combined figures for Forestry Commission England, Forest Research and Forestry Commission Great Britain)
	November 2009: £1,168.75
	December 2009: £1,168.75
	January 2010: £1,168.75
	February 2010: £1,168.75
	March 2010: £1,168.75
	April 2010: £1,168.75
	May 2010: £1,168.75
	June 2010: £1,168.75
	July 2010: £1,192.92
	August 2010: £1,168.75
	September 2010: £1,168.75
	October 2010: £1,168.75

Departmental Regulation

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what regulations sponsored by her Department have been revoked in the last six months.

James Paice: The Department revoked the following 45 statutory instruments between 1 May and 4 November 2010:
	1. The Commons Registration (Publicity) Regulations 1966
	2. The Commons Registration (Objections and Maps) (Amendment) Regulations 1970
	3. The Commons Commissioners Regulations 1971
	4. The Commons Registration (Second Period References) Regulations 1973
	5. The Veterinary Surgery (Epidural Anaesthesia) Order 1992
	6. The Veterinary Surgery (Rectal Ultrasound Scanning of Bovines) Order 2002
	7. The Beet Seed (England) Regulations 2002
	8. The Fodder Plant Seed (England) Regulations 2002
	9. The Cereal Seed (England) Regulations 2002
	10. The Oil and Fibre Plant Seed (England) Regulations 2002
	11. The Vegetable Seed (England) Regulations 2002
	12. The Seed (Registration, Licensing and Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2002
	13. The Oil and Fibre Plant Seed (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2003
	14. The Beet Seed (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2004
	15. The Cereal Seed (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2004
	16. The Fodder Plant Seed (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2004
	17. The Oil and Fibre Plant Seed (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2004
	18. The Vegetable Seed (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2004
	19. The Seed (Registration, Licensing and Enforcement) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2004
	20. The Beet Seed (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2005
	21. The Cereal Seed (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2005
	22. The Fodder Plant (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2005
	23. The Oil and Fibre Plant Seed (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2005
	24. The Vegetable Seed (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2005
	25. The Seed (Registration, Licensing and Enforcement) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2005
	26. The Plant Health (Import Inspection Fees) (England) Regulations 2006
	27. The Seed (England) (Amendments for Tests and Trials etc) Regulations 2006
	28. The Cereal Seed (England) and Fodder Plant (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2006
	29. The Veterinary Surgery (Artificial Insemination) Order 2007
	30. Veterinary Surgery (Artificial Insemination) (Amendment) Order 2007
	31. The Commons Registration (Objection and Maps) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2007
	32. The Commons Registration (General) (Amendment) (England) (No 2) Regulations 2007
	33. The Commons Registration (General) (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2007
	34. The Plant Health (Import Inspection Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2007
	35. The Plant Health (Import Inspection Fees) (England) (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations 2007
	36. The Seed (Miscellaneous Amendments) (England) Regulations 2007
	37. The Ecodesign for Energy-Using Products Regulations 2007
	38. The Plant Health (Import Inspection Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008
	39. The Plant Health (Import Inspection Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2009
	40. The Seed (Conservation Varieties Amendments) (England) Regulations 2009
	41. The Agricultural Holdings (Units of Production) (England) Order 2009
	42. Veterinary Surgery (Artificial Insemination) (Amendment) Order 2009
	43. The Ecodesign for Energy-Using Products (Amendment) Regulations 2009
	44. The Zoonoses and Animal By-Products (Fees) (England) Regulations 2009
	45. The Smoke Control Areas (Exempted Fireplaces) (England) Order 2010

Departmental Regulation

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what new regulations sponsored by her Department have been introduced through  (a) primary legislation and  (b) statutory instrument in the last six months.

James Paice: The information requested is as follows:
	 (a) The Department has not sponsored the introduction of any primary legislation since 1 May 2010.
	 (b) The Department made the following 31 statutory instruments between 1 May and 4 November 2010:
	1. The Plant Health (Import Inspection Fees) (England) Regulations 2010
	2. The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products Regulations 2010
	3. The Seed Marketing Regulations 2010
	4. The Agricultural Holdings (Units of Production) (England) Order 2010
	5. The Bee Diseases and Pests Control (England) (Amendment) Order 2010
	6. The Commons Registration (Amendment and Miscellaneous Revocations) Regulations 2010
	7. The Commons Act 2006 (Commencement No 1 and Savings (England and Wales) and Commencement No 5 (England) (Amendment)) Order 2010
	8. The Flood Risk Management Functions Order 2010
	9. The Water Use (Temporary Bans) Order 2010
	10. The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (Commencement No 4 and Transitional Provisions) Order 2010
	11. The Smoke Control Areas (Exempted Fireplaces) (England) (No 2) Order 2010
	12. The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations 2010
	13. The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 (Commencement No 1 and Transitional Provisions) Order 2010
	14. The Companies (Disclosure of Address) (Amendment) Regulations 2010
	15. The Public Rights of Way (Combined Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010
	16. The Marketing of Fruit Plant Material Regulations 2010
	17. The Rural Development (Enforcement) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010
	18. The Seal Products Regulations 2010
	19. The Veterinary Surgery (Artificial Insemination) Order 2010
	20. The Veterinary Surgery (Epidural Anaesthesia of Bovines) Order 2010
	21. The Veterinary Surgery (Rectal Ultrasound Scanning of Bovines) Order 2010
	22. The Sites of Special Scientific Interest (Appeals) (Amendment) Regulations 2010
	23. The Coastal Access Reports (Consideration and Modification Procedure) (England) Regulations 2010
	24. The Organic Products (Amendment) Regulations 2010
	25. The Animals and Animal Products (Import and Export) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010
	26. The Products of Animal Origin (Third Country Imports) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010
	27. The Zoonoses and Animal By-Products (Fees) (England) Regulations 2010
	28. The Marine Strategy Regulations 2010
	29. The Fishing Boats (Electronic Transmission of Fishing Activities Data) (England) Scheme 2010
	30. The Seed Potatoes (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010
	31. The Plant Health (England) (Amendment) Order 2010

Departmental Written Questions

Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  how many and what proportion of Questions tabled to the Secretary of State for written answer on a named day were answered substantively before or on the day named for answer  (a) in Session 2009-10 and  (b) since May 2010; how many such questions tabled between May 2010 and 12 November 2010 had not received a substantive answer by 18 November 2010; and what estimate she has made of the average cost to her Department of answering a question for written answer on a named day on the day named for answer in the latest period for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many and what proportion of questions tabled to the Secretary of State for ordinary written answer  (a) in Session 2009-10 and  (b) since May 2010 were answered within (i) seven days and (ii) 14 days of tabling; how many such questions tabled between May 2010 and 12 November 2010 remained unanswered by 18 November 2010; and what estimate she has made of the average cost to her Department of answering a question for ordinary written answer within seven days of tabling in the latest period for which figures are available.

Richard Benyon: The Government have committed to providing the Procedure Committee with sessional statistics in a standard format on the time taken to respond to written parliamentary questions for the 2009-10 Session. This information will be submitted to the Procedure Committee shortly.
	
		
			  May 2010 to 12 November 2010 
			   Total received  Answered on named day (percentage) 
			 Named day 202 74 
		
	
	
		
			  May 2010 to 12 November 2010 
			   Total received  Within seven days (percentage)  Within 14 days (percentage) 
			 Ordinary written 810 88 96 
		
	
	The average cost of answering a written question is £154.
	There are no named day PQs that have not yet received a substantive answer.

Elephants: Animal Welfare

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her Department spent on the protection of African and Asian elephants in each country in each of the last three years for which figures are available.

Richard Benyon: DEFRA has contributed the following funds towards elephant conservation over the past three years:
	
		
			  Financial year  Initiative  Amount (£) 
			 2007-08 7(th) Dialogue Meeting of African Elephant Range States 10,000 
			  ETIS(1) 30,000 
			  IUCN/SSC African Elephant Specialist Group 30,000 
			  Darwin Initiative project: capacity building to alleviate human-elephant conflict in Kenya 73,700 
			  Darwin Initiative project: Conservation of the Bornean Elephant, Malaysia 74,039 
			  Darwin Initiative project: Afro-Asian Elephant Community Conservation Network, Thailand 53,818 
			  Darwin Initiative project: building capacities for mitigating human-elephant conflict in Assam, India 58,500 
			
			 2008-09 MIKE(1)/ETIS 45,000 
			  Darwin Initiative project: capacity building to alleviate human-elephant conflict in Kenya 79,603 
			  Darwin Initiative project: Conservation of the Bornean Elephant, Malaysia 28,740 
			  Darwin Initiative project: Afro-Asian Elephant Community Conservation Network, Thailand 6,126 
			  Darwin Initiative project: building capacities for mitigating human-elephant conflict in Assam, India 75,412 
			
			 2009-10 MIKE/ETIS 45,000 
			  Darwin Initiative project: capacity building to alleviate human-elephant conflict in North Kenya 39,251 
			  Darwin Initiative project: Enhancing ETIS to guide Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)policy 32,071 
			  Darwin fellowship: a MSc in conservation biology to help sustain a human-elephant conflict alleviation and management programme (previously funded by the Darwin Initiative) in Kenya 20,910 
			  Darwin Initiative project: Building capacities for mitigating human-elephant conflict in Assam, India 62,350 
			  Darwin Initiative project: Securing human-elephant coexistence in Sumatra, Indonesia 98,800 
			  Total 863,320 
			 (1) MIKE (Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants) and ETIS (Elephant Trade Information System) are monitoring tools used by Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to track illegal activities involving elephants.  Notes: 1. Except where detailed in the table, DEFRA's funding has not been country-specific. 2. In addition to these amounts, DEFRA has spent nearly £700,000 on projects during the past three years which may indirectly benefit the elephant.

Farmers: Income

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the average annual income of  (a) farmers and  (b) hill farmers in (i) England and (ii) Cumbria was in each year since 1997.

James Paice: The following tables show farm business income(1) (FBI) for England and Cumbria for all farm types and for grazing livestock farms in the less favoured areas (LFA). Farm business income is the most robust measure of income but is not available prior to 2003-04. Equivalent data are also shown for net farm income(2) (NFI).
	(1) Farm business income represents the financial return to all unpaid labour (farmers and spouses, non-principal partners and directors and their spouses and family workers) and on all their capital invested in the farm business, including land and buildings.
	(2) Net farm income is defined as the return to the principal farmer and spouse alone for their manual and managerial labour and on the tenant type capital of the business. An imputed rent is deducted for owner-occupied farms as is a charge for other unpaid labour.
	 Source
	Farm Business Survey, England: The Farm Business Survey sample covers businesses with a Standard Labour Requirement (SLR) of at least 0.5, i.e. a size considered sufficient to occupy a farmer for at least half their time.
	
		
			  All farms 
			   England  Cumbria 
			   Net farm income  Farm business income  Net farm income  Farm business income 
			 2009-10 31,500 43,300 16,600 27,400 
			 2008-09 41,600 50,900 22,400 30,500 
			 2007-08 38,600 48,100 17,800 25,600 
			 2006-07 26,700 34,400 6,700 15,600 
			 2005-06 21,100 28,600 19,100 18,500 
			 2004-05 21,200 28,300 18,400 18,600 
			 2003-04 29,500 36,800 17,800 18,400 
			 2002-03 17,300 n/a 18,800 n/a 
			 2001-02 14,900 n/a 22,800 n/a 
			 2000-01 10,600 n/a 14,300 n/a 
			 1999-2000 8,700 n/a 9,100 n/a 
			 1998-99 11,500 n/a 10,600 n/a 
			 1997-98 15,200 n/a 14,500 n/a 
		
	
	
		
			  LFA grazing livestock 
			   England  Cumbria 
			   Net farm income  Farm business income  Net farm income  Farm business income 
			 2009-10 15,600 22,200 12,600 18,000 
			 2008-09 11,900 17,100 4,800 9,200 
			 2007-08 5,000 10,400 6,000 9,800 
			 2006-07 6,100 10,500 2,200 8,800 
			 2005-06 11,800 15,800 15,700 15,100 
			 2004-05 13,400 16,200 19,600 18,900 
			 2003-04 15,000 17,400 17,500 16,200 
			 2002-03 17,400 n/a 17,200 n/a 
			 2001-02 7,400 n/a 17,700 n/a 
			 2000-01 5,900 n/a 14,200 n/a 
			 1999-2000 5,600 n/a 10,700 n/a 
			 1998-99 6,200 n/a 12,400 n/a 
			 1997-98 12,700 n/a 21,500 n/a

Fisheries: Licensing

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of the revenue raised from fishing licences in the last five years was spent on fisheries enhancement and management; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Benyon: All revenue received by the Environment Agency (EA) from fishing licences is invested into activities to achieve outcomes for fisheries. The figures in the table show where the EA will spend the income from rod licences for the current year (2010-11). The proportion of rod licence income spent on each of the four headings in the table was similar in each of the last five years.
	
		
			   £ million 
			 Regional and area delivery-operational teams 18 
			 National Office-includes evidence, communications, national fisheries 2.1 
			 Once Only Delivery-rod licence sales and prosecution, fish health, corporate information services, legal 3.4 
			 Support Services-finance, HR, facilities, procurement 1.8 
			 Total 25.3

Hydroelectric Power

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change on the potential effects of small-scale hydroschemes on migratory fish returning to their spawning headstreams; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Benyon: No discussions have taken place between my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change on that specific issue. As a member of the Government's Renewable Energy Deployment Environmental Issues Project Board, DEFRA is working, together with DECC and other Government Departments and agencies, to ensure that the objectives of the EU renewable energy directive are met, while continuing to meet obligations on nature conservation and the environment.

Livestock

Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on what date her Department's next conference with stakeholders on sustainability in the livestock industry will be held.

James Paice: holding answer 24 November 2010
	DEFRA officials meet regularly with stakeholders in the livestock industry to discuss the sustainability of our meat and dairy sectors.
	In particular, regular meetings with industry contacts are held to take forward product roadmaps, and the environmental milestones contained therein, which are owned by the UK's beef and sheep meat, dairy, and pigmeat sectors.
	I intend to be chairing a meeting of the Dairy Supply Chain Forum and a review of the Pig Meat Supply Chain Task Force in the next two months, where sustainability issues will be discussed. DEFRA's Food Policy Unit also holds discussions with food businesses on issues surrounding the resilience of our food system.
	Additionally, I have assured the House of the willingness of either the Secretary of State or myself to participate in a stakeholder-convened conference to examine the current state of sustainability in our livestock industry should a suitable event be organised in 2011.

Livestock

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the number of  (a) cattle and  (b) sheep in each county in England in each year since 1997.

James Paice: A full spreadsheet showing the number of cattle and sheep on agricultural holdings by county in England from 1997 to 2009 has been deposited in the House Library.

Local Government Finance

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effects on local authorities of absorbing Framework Funding into the revenue support grant.

James Paice: It is too early to tell what impact changes in funding resulting from the comprehensive spending review will have on specific DEFRA activities. It is for local authorities to decide what resources they want to allocate to their various local priorities. Improved standards of animal welfare remain a Government priority.

Milk: Labelling

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make it a requirement that milk produced in super dairies is clearly labelled with information on its production to assist consumer choice.

James Paice: holding answer 24 November 2010
	There are no plans to do so.

National Park Authorities

Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the cost to the public purse was of national park authorities' planning departments in each of the last two years.

Richard Benyon: This information is not centrally held by DEFRA, but will be available in each of the national park authorities' annual report and accounts.

Pigs: Pets

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will review the adequacy of the criteria for the issuing of licences for the keeping of micro pigs as pets.

James Paice: All pigs including those kept as pets are subject to the same welfare and disease control measures as pigs kept in commercial livestock herds. We have published guidance to assist those new to pig-keeping to understand their responsibilities and the steps they need to follow to register. Additionally, Animal Health will shortly publish guidance specifically targeting prospective keepers of micro-pigs.
	The keeping of pigs requires registration with the Rural Payments Agency and specifically as a pig keeper with Animal Health. The existing registration process is proportionate and, together with the guidance to new pig keepers, is a practical level of intervention. However, both the Rural Payments Agency and Animal Health keep these systems under review.

Pigs: Pets

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will commission research into the potential health effects on children of households keeping micro pigs as pets.

James Paice: Pigs, as with many other animals, can be affected by a variety of diseases that can pass to humans. The risk from such zoonotic diseases is known and there would appear to be no case for special study.
	The Health Protection Agency (HPA) already published information on zoonotic diseases, and it is for those people considering keeping pigs to take account of the risks before committing to keep pigs or other animals. Whilst standard hygiene practices will minimise the likelihood of people contracting disease from animals kept as pets, it is also important the keepers ensure their animals are healthy, fed appropriate diets and kept in a suitable environment to maintain the animal's welfare and reduce its susceptibility to disease. They should also seek veterinary advice if they believe the animal is unwell.
	Parents and guardians should take into account the likely vulnerability of children to infection, and the difficulty in getting them to observe good hygiene practices when deciding whether to keep any animal, including pigs.

Pigs: Pets

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will discuss with animal welfare charities the welfare of micro pigs kept as pets.

James Paice: Officials will be discussing the issue of micro pigs with the RSPCA at their next biannual working group.
	Responsibilities for the welfare of animals is clear and there are many routes for potential keepers of pet pigs to obtain guidance. The keeping of pigs as pets is allowed subject to adhering to good practice for their health and welfare but if welfare groups and pig industry bodies wish to prepare additional guidance on best practice we would be willing to consider its adoption as DEFRA guidance.

Pigs: Pets

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will discuss with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government the provision of local authority shelters for micro pigs abandoned by their owners.

James Paice: DEFRA have published a "Guide for New Keepers of pigs" in order to assist keepers in understanding their obligations to identify and report the movements of pigs as required by the Pigs (Records, Identification and Movements) Order (PRIMO). Keepers have responsibility for the health and welfare of their animals and abandoning pet pigs would be a breach of these responsibilities. Whilst the guidance will be helpful to those contemplating keeping pigs, or already with pigs as pets, it is very clearly the responsibility the pig keeper to ensure pigs are not abandoned and for those selling pigs as pets to ensure the new owner is aware of these responsibilities prior to purchase. There are many industry and other groups able to provide advice to those who find they are no longer able to care for a pig and it is important that keepers seek advice on options open to them. Local authorities and the RSPCA already have working practices to deal with stray animals.

Public Sector: Procurement

Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she plans to take to ensure that public bodies source more food from British farmers.

James Paice: One of the Government's priorities is to support and develop British farming and encourage sustainable food production. To achieve this they need to be seen to lead by example and encourage sustainable food procurement by central Government Departments and the wider public sector. In support of this the Government have made a commitment to source food, subject to no overall increase in costs, meeting British or equivalent standards of production.
	We know that some Departments are already buying a high proportion of food that meets British or equivalent standards of production and therefore it should be possible for others to do the same. DEFRA will be working to help all Departments achieve this goal through guidance and learning from best practice.
	The Government are also developing criteria for Government Buying Standards for food, covering sustainability of food and catering operations as well as nutrition, which will be mandatory for central Government Departments and will be promoted to the wider public sector.
	Government procurement has to comply with EU and UK legislation which is intended to prevent 'buy national' policies and encourage free trade and equal access to markets. Any action in contradiction to these principles would run a high risk of legal challenge and would be contrary to the Government's wider public procurement policy.

Rights of Way

Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what change there was to the number of miles of statutory rights of way available to  (a) pedestrians,  (b) cyclists and  (c) horse riders and carriage drivers between 1 January 1997 and 1 January 2010.

Richard Benyon: The management of public rights of way is the responsibility of local highway authorities and DEFRA does not collate national information on the lengths of footpaths, bridleways and byways.

Rights of Way

Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what mechanisms will be in place to ensure that any future amendment to planning regulations will not reduce the  (a) length of and  (b) entitlement to use of existing rights of way.

Richard Benyon: The effect of development on a public right of way is a material consideration in the determination of applications for planning permission. Current statutory procedures enable a public right of way to be either stopped up or diverted depending on the circumstances of each case. There are no plans to change this.

EU: Food Labelling

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make it her policy to oppose the provision contained in amendment 205 of the European Parliament proposal to require label information on the kosher slaughter method; and if she will make a statement.

James Paice: Generally we believe people should know what they are buying in shops or when they are eating out and we are discussing with the food industry whether labelling and point of sale information can play a greater role in giving consumers an informed choice about the food they buy. This may include information about the method of slaughter. However, we do not consider amendment 205 of the food information regulation the correct way to address this.
	Instead, we would wish to see this considered in the wider context of animal welfare and method of slaughter labelling.

River Trent: Hydroelectric Power

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reasons the Environment Agency granted licences to the Small Hydro Company to allow for the construction of two hydropower plants on the River Trent in Sawley and Gunthorpe; for what reasons the provisions of the licences allowed fish kill; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Benyon: Following in depth discussions with the developer, and in consultation with customers, licences for schemes on the River Trent at Gunthorpe and Sawley were issued to the Small Hydro Company on 20 October 2010. These licences take account of the standards set out in the Environment Agency's (EA) Hydropower Good Practice Guide to ensure adequate environmental protection of relevant habitats and species.
	The licences contain strict conditions to protect fish populations. These conditions require the provision of screens, fish deterrents and the maintenance of adequate flows. The EA has added a further safeguard by retaining a right to shut down the operation of the schemes if they cause significant fish mortality. Effective remedial action would then be required by the operator before operations could restart.

Rivers

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department is taking to improve summer flows on chalk streams; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Benyon: The Environment Agency assesses the sustainability of water resources in England, including chalk streams, to inform its future management of abstractions, with the aim of ensuring no further deterioration of conservation status.
	Chalk streams are designated a priority habitat in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP).
	UKBAP has set out three priorities for chalk streams:
	maintain the characteristic plants and animals of chalk rivers, including their winterbourne (headwater) stretches;
	restore water quality, flows and habitat diversity;
	identify cost-effective means of restoring damaged river reaches.
	Where over-abstraction has occurred, the Environment Agency can take action through its Restoring Sustainable Abstraction Programme. Restoration solutions can include licence changes as well as in-river modifications.
	Securing water resources for the future will be a key theme in the upcoming water White Paper, due for publication in early summer 2011. Water abstraction management will also be an important issue in the natural environment White Paper which is due for publication in spring 2011.

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds: Finance

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 15 November 2010,  Official Report, columns 533-35W, on the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds: finance, how many payments were made under the heading of organisational support costs in each of the last five years; what the purpose was of each such payment; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Benyon: Further to the answer of 15 November 2010,  Official Report, column 535W, organisational support costs of the projects and amounts listed are not defined separately. To identify this information would incur disproportionate cost.

Rural Payments Agency: Complaints

Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many complaints her Department received in respect of the Rural Payments Agency in each year since 2008.

James Paice: The Rural Payments Agency has received the following number of complaints, as reported in the agency's annual reports and accounts for the financial years 2008-09 and 2009-10.
	
		
			  Financial year  Number 
			 2008-09 942 
			 2009-10 1,116

Rural Payments Agency: Correspondence

Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how long on average the Rural Payments Agency takes to respond to an item of correspondence.

James Paice: Since January 2010 to date the Rural Payments Agency has responded to 33,395 correspondence items through paper and electronic methods, and has provided a response on average after eight working days of receipt.
	The Agency aims to provide a full reply to correspondence within 15 working days of the day of receipt.

Rural Payments Agency: Finance

Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much funding she has allocated to the Rural Payments Agency in 2010-11.

James Paice: RPA's total budget, as of November 2010, for 2010-11 is £190.972 million.

Rural Payments Agency: Sick Leave

Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many days staff of the Rural Payments Agency were absent due to sick leave in the latest period for which figures are available.

James Paice: The average working days lost (AWDL) due to sickness in the Rural Payments Agency between 1 October 2009 and 30 September 2010 was 10.3 days per person. This is broken down as 5.5 AWDL due to short-term sickness and 4.8 AWDL due to long-term absence reasons.
	This represents a 1% reduction in the overall AWDL rate since the same period in the previous year.

Sharks: Conservation

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on an international ban on shark finning.

Richard Benyon: As the Minister with responsibility for natural environment and fisheries, I am strongly opposed to shark finning wherever it takes place, and am thoroughly committed to banning this wasteful practice worldwide by ensuring that all sharks are landed with their fins attached.
	The UK has already acted on this issue domestically. We no longer issue special fishing permits which means that all UK vessels must land sharks with fins attached to the carcass, wherever they fish.
	We will use our strong domestic position to influence forthcoming EU negotiations on this issue. We want to see EU Regulations amended so that fin-on landings are mandatory for all European vessels. We will also push hard for this to be the case in international fisheries managed by Regional Fisheries Management Organisations.

Single Payment Scheme

Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the land area eligible for payments under the single payment scheme in respect of which no claims under the scheme had been made on the latest date for which figures are available.

James Paice: In 2009, single payment scheme (SPS) entitlements were activated on approximately 93% of agricultural land eligible to be used in support of payment claims(1).
	(1)Source:
	DEFRA Agricultural Change and Environment Observatory Research Report No. 19. This analysis involves the statistical matching of two separate datasets (the June Survey and the SPS) and is therefore subject to a degree of statistical uncertainty.

Stray Dogs

Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many dog wardens were employed by each local authority in England in each of the last five years.

James Paice: The information requested is not held centrally and therefore to collate this would incur disproportionate cost.

Water Abstraction

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions her Department has had with water companies on river abstraction; whether progress has been made in encouraging such companies to rescind abstraction licences; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Benyon: The Environment Agency has regular discussions with all the water companies that have abstraction licences which are, or could be, damaging the environment.
	Water companies have varied or revoked 16 licences since 2008. We expect them to deliver 61 schemes relating to habitats directive sites by 2015 and to make voluntary licence changes.
	The Government have directed the Environment Agency to change two licences held by United Utilities. These compulsory changes mean compensation will be paid to the company.

Water Abstraction

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department is taking to reduce the adverse effects on river flows of abstraction; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Benyon: All abstraction licences are assessed through the Environment Agency's Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies.
	Licences identified as potentially impacting the environment undergo further analysis in the Environment Agency's Restoring Sustainable Abstraction Programme.
	The Environment Agency currently has 314 open schemes within this programme. Each scheme involves the investigation of one or more abstraction licences.
	Restoration solutions can include licence changes as well as in-river modifications.
	Securing water resources for the future will be a key theme in the upcoming water White Paper, due for publication in early summer 2011. Water abstraction management will also be an important issue in the natural environment White Paper which is due for publication in spring 2011.

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS

Employment Agencies

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions he has had on his Department's guidance on regulations on the conduct of employment agencies; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Davey: Guidance on the conduct regulations was updated on the Businesslink and Directgov websites prior to changes to the regulations coming into force on 1( )October this year. The Employment Agency Standards inspectorate is currently in the process of reviewing all of the guidance available with a view to publishing more detailed guidance in due course both for businesses and for workers.
	The Secretary of State, however, has had no recent discussions on guidance on the conduct of employment agency regulations.

Export Credit Guarantees

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of the budget of the Export Credits Guarantee Department for 2010-11 has been allocated to expenditure on default by debtors.

Mark Prisk: ECGD does not allocate a "budget" for defaults under its guarantees and insurance policies. However, ECGD does make forecasts of potential expenditure by way of claims payments to banks in respect of loans made by them to overseas borrowers to finance export contracts; claims arise under ECGD's guarantees to the lending banks where the borrower has defaulted on loan repayments. ECGD normally pays claims under defaulted guaranteed loans as amounts fall due to be repaid over the remaining life of the loan repayment period. For 2010-11, ECGD forecast £22 million of claims to be paid on loan repayment defaults by borrowers. Of this, £18.2 million is to cover first time defaults during 2010-11; none have materialised to date. The remainder relates to the payment of claims expected to be paid in 2010-11 in respect of loans already in default in previous financial years.

Export Credit Guarantees

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many banks are willing to lend in support of British exports in partnership with the Export Credits Guarantee Department.

Mark Prisk: The Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) does not keep records of banks who have expressed a willingness to lend in support of exports under a guarantee from ECGD. ECGD provides guarantees for loans made available by banks to finance export transactions under its Buyer Credit Facility (BCF) and Supplier Credit Financing Facility (SCF).
	Under the BCF, ECGD does not keep a list of pre-approved banks but approves them on a case-by-case basis. In each case they must meet ECGD's minimum counterparty risk standard and, in the case of agent banks, demonstrate the capability to administer ECGD-backed export credit loans. In the last three years, 29 banks have acted as a lender and/or agent bank under the BCF. Under the SCF, ECGD pre-approves banks and, subject to them meeting ECGD's minimum counterparty risk standard, issues them with a Master Guarantee Agreement (MGA). Currently, eight banks hold SCF MGAs.

Green Investment Bank

Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment his Department has made of the likely effects of establishing a Green Investment Bank on small businesses.

Mark Prisk: The Green Investment Bank (GIB) will focus on the financing of green infrastructure projects and the deployment of late-stage green technologies.
	The next phase of work, through to May, will see this Department doing detailed design and testing of the possible GIB products and assessing their likely impact on our growth, environmental and carbon objectives. All decisions regarding the institution will be subject to the Government's tests of effectiveness, affordability and transparency.

Higher Education: Admissions

Liz Kendall: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many children who had received free school meals entered  (a) Oxford and  (b) Cambridge university in each year since 1980.

David Willetts: The figures in the table show the number of pupils aged 15 in English maintained schools who were in receipt of free school meals at the start of the school academic year and who progressed to Oxbridge by the age of 19.
	
		
			  Estimates of the number of FSM pupils aged 15 in English maintained schools who progress to Oxford and Cambridge university by age 19 
			   In HE by age 19 
			   2005/06  2006/07  2007/08 
			 Oxford university 25 20 20 
			 Cambridge university 20 25 20 
			  Source: Matched data from the National Pupil Database and the Higher Education Statistics Agency Student Record. All figures are estimates and have been rounded to the nearest five. 
		
	
	The figures for FSM pupils are based on those recorded as such on Pupil Level Census. As this is a snapshot of pupils in one year, this will exclude pupils who claimed free school meals in previous years. Also some parents may choose not to apply for FSM. Children from these families who progress to Oxbridge would not be included in the table.
	These figures have been estimated using matched data from the National Pupil Database and the Higher Education Statistics Agency Student Record and are only available for three data points. These rounded estimates allow for a small margin of error that arises as result of the matching procedure deployed.

Higher Education: Finance

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what account his Department has taken of the likely effects on resource flows in universities of the withdrawal of teaching funding from 2012 on the schedule of payments made by the Students Loan Company to universities in respect of fee income; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: The reforms we are introducing following Lord Browne's Review will put Higher Education funding on a fairer and more sustainable basis. We are determined to manage the process of transition carefully, ensuring smooth and manageable cash flows for institutions. The Department is working closely with the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the Student Loans company to implement mechanisms to deliver this.

Innovation

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 15 November 2010,  Official Report, column 643W, on innovation, which centres currently funded by regional development agencies will become technology innovation centres.

David Willetts: No decisions have yet been made, but the funding for technology and innovation centres is about making choices and backing a few opportunities to scale. This means developing some of the existing RDA funded centres which are excellent and establishing a limited number of new centres in the context of the Technology Strategy Board's overall programme of work.
	The Technology Strategy Board will publish a strategy and implementation plan for Technology and Innovation Centres by April 2011, and have created a network of these centres by April 2012 as highlighted in the BIS business plan.

Local Enterprise Partnerships

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what  (a) strategic and  (b) other powers he plans to enable local enterprise partnerships to exercise; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Prisk: As set out in the White Paper on Local Growth we envisage that local enterprise partnerships could take on a diverse range of roles. When partnerships have met our expectations regarding support from business, economic geography, local authority support, ambition and added value Government will enter into a discussion with them about delivering the economic vision for their area, in parallel with progress to establish appropriate boards and governance arrangements.
	In addition, the Government are intending to provide, through the forthcoming localism Bill, a general power of competence for local authorities, giving them real freedom to act in the interests of their local communities.

Local Enterprise Partnerships

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for the level of  (a) central Government and  (b) local authority funding for local enterprise partnerships in each year of the Spending Review period.

Mark Prisk: No central Government spending has been allocated specifically to fund the activities of local enterprise partnerships. As set out in the White Paper on Local Growth local enterprise partnerships will be expected to fund their own day-to-day running costs and will also want to consider how they can obtain the best value for public money by leveraging in private sector investment. Local enterprise partnerships and proposed partnerships may also wish to submit bids to the Regional Growth Fund or European funding. It is for local authorities to decide how much of their discretionary spending they allocate to local enterprise partnerships.

Local Enterprise Partnerships

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he plans to put in place mechanisms to ensure representation from the Federation of Small Businesses and the Chambers of Commerce at the most senior level of management of local enterprise partnerships.

Mark Prisk: As set out in the Local Growth White Paper we will normally expect to see business representatives form half the local enterprise partnership board, with a prominent business leader in the chair. If partnerships are to be able to develop the right business environment for growth in their areas then we would expect the leadership of that partnership to have first hand knowledge and experience of working successfully in that environment. They will also want to draw from a breadth of experience, from small enterprises through to large businesses, those representing key sectors in their areas and any other key economic stakeholders such as universities or social enterprises. There are no specific mechanisms to ensure representation from particular representative bodies.

Local Enterprise Partnerships

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has plans to put in place mechanisms to limit spending on  (a) administration and  (b) communications and marketing by local enterprise partnerships.

Mark Prisk: There are no plans to put in place mechanisms to limit spending on either administration or communications and marketing by local enterprise partnerships. As set out in the White Paper on Local Growth local enterprise partnerships will be expected to fund their own day-to-day running costs.

Local Enterprise Partnerships

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how local enterprise partnerships will provide assistance in respect of small areas of deprivation in  (a) Harlow and  (b) other towns with similar demographic features.

Mark Prisk: It is for local enterprise partnerships to decide on their own priorities for fostering a strong environment for business growth.

Local Enterprise Partnerships

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether the proposed local enterprise partnerships will consider the former staff of regional development agencies as potential employees.

Mark Prisk: It is for local enterprise partnerships to decide what activities they undertake and whom they employ.

Local Enterprise Partnerships

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills by what mechanisms he expects smaller sub-regional economic areas to  (a) integrate in and  (b) work with the larger local enterprise partnerships.

Mark Prisk: Local enterprise partnerships see a move away from centrally imposed structures and their replacement with locally developed initiatives. It is for partnerships to decide how they develop and deliver their vision for a business environment that enables local growth. The Government are encouraging them to work with key economic stakeholders to help them deliver this vision. We would also expect the partnerships' governance arrangements to be transparent and ensure that they are locally accountable.

National Consumer Councils

Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the Barnett consequentials for the devolved Administations as a result of the proposed reforms to the functions of the national consumer councils.

Edward Davey: The Government set out their proposals for the competition and consumer landscape in the context of the Public Bodies Bill in a statement issued on 14 October. That indicated that the Government are minded to shift almost all relevant central Government funding for consumer bodies towards the Citizens Advice services and Trading Standards.
	My officials are discussing the implications with the devolved Administrations as well as with Citizens Advice (and Citizens Advice Scotland) and a number of consumer bodies. Our main concern is how best to maintain and enhance consumer protection in the UK.
	A full consultation on the main proposals will take place in early 2011.
	Assessment of the financial implications will be made in the light of these ongoing discussions and in the context of a forthcoming public consultation on the proposals in early 2011.

Postgraduate Education: Finance

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what funding his Department plans to provide for the teaching of postgraduate taught courses in Higher Education Funding Council for England subject bands B and C in each of the next four years; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: The Department will be announcing decisions on the funding available for teaching, including masters, in our Grant Letter to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) before Christmas. We will bring forward proposals on the longer term future for the funding for post graduate teaching, in the light of the Post Graduate Review, in the forthcoming higher education White Paper.

Refrigerators: Waste Disposal

Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans his Department has to reduce the number of refrigerated display cabinets disposed of in landfill sites.

Mark Prisk: The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations 2006 already minimise the amount of discarded electrical and electronic equipment going to landfill. The regulations place obligations on the producers and business end-users of a wide range of waste electrical equipment, including retail refrigerated display cabinets. These include the financing of the separate collection, subsequent treatment, re-use, recovery, recycling and environmentally sound disposal of such equipment when it becomes waste. Treatment and recycling facilities are approved and regulated by the environment agencies to ensure compliance with strict standards that minimise the environmental impacts of their operations and the maximisation of recycling rates.

Refrigerators: Waste Disposal

Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has to encourage the re-use and recycling of  (a) refrigerated display cabinets and  (b) other white electrical goods.

Mark Prisk: The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations 2006 already encourage the re-use and recycling of refrigerated display cabinets and other white electrical goods. The regulations place obligations on the producers and business end-users of a wide range of waste electrical equipment, including refrigerated display cabinets and white electrical goods. These include the financing of the separate collection, subsequent treatment, re-use, recovery, recycling and environmentally sound disposal of such equipment when it becomes waste.
	Currently 96% of civic amenity sites across the UK collect large household appliances and 98% collect cooling equipment containing refrigerants from householders. The Code of Practice for collection of WEEE from these designated collection facilities encourages Producer Compliance Schemes (PCSs) to work with re-use organisations.
	The WEEE regulations include specific provisions to encourage, where appropriate, the reuse of whole appliances including a requirement for PCSs, as part of the approval process, to set out how they propose to prioritise the reuse of whole appliances in their operational plans.

Regional Growth Fund

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills when he expects to determine the funding allocations for growth hubs.

Mark Prisk: Funding allocations for growth hubs will be determined as part of the process of prioritising activity in line with the spending review settlement. The Government will confirm funding once this process is complete.

Regional Growth Fund

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many officials in his Department are working on the plans for the establishment of growth hubs.

Mark Prisk: There are currently around 2.5 full-time equivalents directly engaged in developing plans for the establishment of growth hubs. At need, a number of other officials are feeding into this process and contributing to the development of the wider business improvement policy.

WOMEN AND EQUALITIES

Football: World Cup 2010

Graham Evans: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities how much the Government Equalities Office spent on entertainment activities related to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Lynne Featherstone: The Government Equalities Office did not spend any money on entertainment related to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

JUSTICE

Appeals: Incapacity Benefit

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many appeal cases relating to incapacity benefit have been heard  (a) in Coventry,  (b) in the West Midlands and  (c) nationally in the last 2 years; and how many such appeals (i) with and (ii) without legal representation were upheld.

Jonathan Djanogly: The following tables show the number of incapacity benefit appeals heard by the First-Tier Tribunal-Social Security and Child Support nationally, and how many appeals were upheld where the appellant was and was not represented. Representatives do not need to be legally qualified.
	
		
			  Incapacity benefit appeals 2008-09 
			   Cases heard  Decision upheld  Decision upheld (percentage)  Represented  Decision upheld with rep  Without rep  Decision upheld without rep 
			 Coventry 540 320 59.0 240 100 300 210 
			 West midlands 7,060 4,470 63.0 2,410 1,100 4,640 3,380 
			 National 63,400 31,200 49.0 27,400 9,000 36,000 22,200 
		
	
	
		
			  Incapacity benefit appeals 2009-10 
			   Cases heard  Decision upheld  Decision upheld (percentage)  Represented  Decision upheld with rep  Without rep  Decision upheld without rep 
			 Coventry 520 250 49.0 260 80 260 170 
			 West midlands 4,370 2,450 56.0 1,680 640 2,700 1,810 
			 National 47,200 23,000 49.0 20,700 6,900 27,000 16,300 
			  Notes: 1. Decision upheld by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. 2. Figures with representative show appellants who had a representative; however, do not confirm that the representative was in attendance on the day of hearing. 3. West midlands statistics include Birmingham, Coventry, Harrow, Hereford, Kidderminster, Oxford, Reading, Shrewsbury, Stoke, Telford (now closed), Watford, Wolverhampton and Worcester. 4. Statistics have been rounded to the nearest 10 at local and area level and the nearest 100 at national level.

Civil Proceedings: Landlord and Tenant

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many court cases arose from disputes between landlords and tenants in  (a) 2007,  (b) 2008 and  (c) 2009.

Jonathan Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice holds statistical information in relation to the number of claims issued in the county courts of England and Wales for landlord possession orders, demotion of tenancy, forfeiture of tenancy, and for a new tenancy agreement of business premises under Part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. The following table shows these figures for each year between 2007 and 2009.
	Statistical information relating to other types of disputes between landlords and tenants such as over repairs or tenancy deposit protection is not held centrally. This is because the administrative computer systems used in the county courts do not presently identify these specific application types. While the relevant cases will be logged on the system, they cannot be distinguished from other types of claims issued.
	
		
			  Claims issued by landlords against tenants( 1)  in the county courts of England and Wales, 2007-09 
			   Recovery of land( 2, 3)  New tenancy agreement( 4)  Demotion of tenancy( 5)  Forfeiture of tenancy( 6) 
			 2007 147,057 1,958 131 178 
			 2008 148,217 1,733 91 242 
			 2009 136,592 1,551 84 235 
			 (1) The breakdown by case type is only approximate as the claim may involve recovery of land in addition to demotion of tenancy or forfeiture of tenancy. (2) Includes all types of landlord whether social or private. (3) Landlord actions include those made under both standard and accelerated procedures. Landlord actions via the accelerated procedure enables the orders to be made solely on the basis of written evidence for shorthold tenancies, when the fixed period of tenancy has come to an end. (4) Claims for a new tenancy agreement as made under section 24 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 5. (5) A demotion of the terms of the tenancy typically means losing the "Right to buy" or "Right to exchange" the property and the succession rights of the tenancy. These only apply to properties owned by social landlords. (6) Forfeiture of a tenant's lease on a property  Source: Ministry of Justice

Community Orders

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what guidance his Department issues to probation staff in respect of the preparation of court reports recommending sentencing options for cases where defendants are in receipt of incapacity benefit on the use of unpaid work as a disposal.

Crispin Blunt: Probation staff are made aware of the Department for Work and Pensions guidance that unpaid work and incapacity benefit are not necessarily incompatible. In the assessment and induction process for unpaid work, probation staff gather information about the offender's health and their status in terms of receiving benefits. Offenders can then be allocated to work that properly takes account of these issues.

Community Orders

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the average time taken between the issue of a community order with a condition of attendance on  (a) a group general offender behaviour programme and  (b) a sex offender programme and the commencement of the programme was in each probation trust in the latest period for which figures are available.

Crispin Blunt: Waiting times for programmes are managed locally by each probation trust. This information is not collated centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost by obtaining information held on offender files or on local data systems, validating it, and then collating it in a common format in order to provide a response. Offenders waiting for a place on a programme are under the supervision of their offender manager who will monitor and actively manage the risk posed during the course of the supervision period.

Coroners

Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will bring forward legislative proposals to amend the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 to provide that deaths occurring in psychiatric care must be reported to the Coroner.

Jonathan Djanogly: We have no plans to bring forward proposals to amend the Coroners and Justice Act 2009. In my statement of 14 October 2010,  Official Report, columns 37-38WS, I set out our proposals for taking forward coronial reform. We are reviewing what provisions within the 2009 Act we may commence that are cost neutral and also intend to review Coroners Rules and guidance.
	There is a power for the Lord Chancellor to make regulations requiring a registered medical practitioner to notify a coroner of a death in prescribed circumstances under the Act. The previous Government consulted on the categories of death to be reported to the coroner in 'Reform of the Coroner System-Next Stage-Preparing for Implementation', published in March 2010. The responses will inform our work in drafting these regulations.

Euthanasia

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 3 November 2010,  Official Report, column 834W, on mercy killings, whether the Government plans to amend the law on offences of murder which may be classified as mercy killings.

Kenneth Clarke: No. The Government believe that any change to the law in this emotive and contentious area is an issue of individual conscience and a matter for Parliament to decide rather than Government policy.

Football: World Cup 2010

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much his Department spent on entertainment activities related to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Jonathan Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice did not spend any money on entertainment relating to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

HM Prison Acklington

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many prison officers were employed at HM Prison Acklington  (a) on the latest date for which figures are available and  (b) in each of the last five years.

Crispin Blunt: Information on the number of prison officers employed at HMP Acklington on  (a) the latest published date and  (b) in each of the last five years is contained in the following table.
	
		
			  Prison officers employed at HMP Acklington 
			  Date  Prison officers 
			 30 June 2010 197 
			 31 March 2010 199 
			 31 March 2009 208 
			 31 March 2008 213 
			 31 March 2007 191 
			 31 March 2006 179 
			 31 March 2005 186

Land Registry

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether the feasibility study he has commissioned on the Land Registry will involve full consultation with the main stakeholders.

Jonathan Djanogly: There will be an opportunity for stakeholders to comment on the feasibility study. As part of the information gathering process, the project team leading the study invited members of the HM Land Registry Advisory Council to a meeting on 19 November, which includes a wide range of stakeholders and interested parties among its membership. The project team has also invited written representations from members, should they have anything further they wish to add. The team also met with representatives from the trade unions for similar discussions on 22 November.
	Ministers will only make a decision on their preferred option once they have received the feasibility study. If our preference is for a materially different business strategy or ownership structure for Land Registry then a full public consultation process will be undertaken.
	I expect to be in a position to make a decision on the preferred option in the new year.

Landlord Possession

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many judgment orders to amend landlord possession claims were issued by county court judges in each of the first two quarters of 2010.

Jonathan Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice does not hold figures centrally on the number of judgment orders made by county court judges in each of the first two quarters of 2010 to amend existing landlord possession orders.
	While the Department's management information system contains the incidence of orders made in landlord possession claims, it is not possible to identify which orders are amending orders that have previously been made. This information could be obtained only through the examination of individual case files at disproportionate cost.

Lockerbie: Bombings

Guy Opperman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what level of  (a) disclosure and  (b) dissemination has been applied to information regarding Abdul Baset Al Megrahi held by the Criminal Cases Review Commission; and if he will make a statement.

Kenneth Clarke: None. The Criminal Cases Review Commission does not hold any information or material relating to Abdul Baset Al Megrahi. As he was convicted by the Scottish courts, the Criminal Cases Review Commission does not have the power to review his conviction or sentence. The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission can review the convictions or sentences of those convicted by the Scottish courts.

Offenders: Drugs

Bob Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many offenders have been referred into drug treatment through the criminal justice system in each of the last five years.

Crispin Blunt: The Ministry of Justice does not record data in the form requested. However data are available for:
	the number of clinical interventions for drug addiction in prisons delivered by health services;
	initial assessments for adult prisoners by CARAT (Counselling, Assessment, Referral, Advice and Throughcare) services;
	prison-based accredited drug treatment programme commencements;
	initial assessments by Young People's Substance Misuse Service (YPSMS) for 15 to 17-year-olds in custody;
	drug treatment and testing orders (DTTOs) and drug rehabilitation requirements (DRRs) issued as part of a community order or suspended sentence order; and
	the number of individuals commencing treatment through the Drug Interventions Programme (DIP).
	This information from the last five years is shown in the table.
	Figures are not presently centrally collated for:
	the number of offenders who are required to address their problems with drugs as a condition of their licence;
	the number of Youth Rehabilitation Orders (YROs) with a drug treatment requirement.
	
		
			  Intervention( 1)  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2009-10 
			 Clinical Services (Detoxification/Maintenance) 53,770 51,520 58,810 64,770 60,070 
			 CARATs-number of Substance Misuse Triage Assessments (SMTAs) 66,010 65,670 65,820 66,600 66,460 
			 Young Persons Substance Misuse Services (YPSMS)-number of initial assessments 8,480 8,290 7,380 6,990 6,590 
			 Accredited Drug Treatment Programmes/Therapeutic Communities 10,740 11,150 11,320 10,880 10,210 
			 Drug Treatment and Testing Order/Drug Rehabilitation Requirement 14,000 15,800 16,610 17,640 15,700 
			 Drug Interventions Programme (DIP)(2) 24,560 39,900 46,190 57,950 58,340 
			 (1) Individual prisoners may access more than one type of treatment intervention in any given period (e.g. some individuals may receive clinical detoxification, a CARAT assessment, access an accredited drug programme and have a DIP care plan). (2) November 2007 onwards includes prison data.  Note: All figures are rounded to the nearest 10 and have been drawn from administrative data systems which may be amended at any time. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system.

Prisons

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the operational staffing requirements for  (a) operational managers,  (b) principal officers,  (c) senior officers,  (d) prison officers,  (e) operational support grades,  (f) non-operational managers,  (g) administration grades and  (h) other staff for (i) each prison establishment, (ii) National Offender Management Service (NOMS) headquarters and (ii) other NOMS offices will be by March 2011; and if he will make a statement.

Crispin Blunt: Information on the operational staffing requirement for the end of March 2011 has been derived from returns collected from each establishment and National Offender Management Service (NOMS) headquarters directorate. The planned staffing requirements are subject to change as a result of more detailed plans being put in place following the spending review. The latest plans are contained in the table.
	
		
			  Projected staffing requirements within NOMS (full-time equivalent), 31 March 2011 
			  Establishment  Operational managers( 1)  Principal officers  Senior officers  Prison officers  Operational support grades  Non-operational managers( 2)  Administration grades  Other grades  Total 
			  Public sector  
			 Acklington 19 - 31 192 76 9 46 67 439 
			 Ashwell 5 6 17 63 55 7 32 21 205 
			 Askham Grange 4 - 3 19 12 3 13 5 59 
			 Aylesbury 10 1 31 135 49 8 32 42 308 
			 Bedford 7 6 22 128 36 9 39 21 268 
			 Belmarsh 36 - 79 424 214 11 63 135 962 
			 Birmingham 13 23 68 398 109 13 66 63 753 
			 Blantyre House 3 - 5 24 15 5 7 7 65 
			 Blundeston 12 - 20 119 50 4 26 56 288 
			 Brinsford 13 - 34 177 61 7 37 52 381 
			 Bristol 12 - 31 178 54 12 34 46 366 
			 Brixton 12 1 31 173 45 10 42 22 335 
			 Buckley Hall 9 - 14 86 29 8 24 32 201 
			 Bullingdon 18 3 36 221 74 14 60 51 477 
			 Bullwood Hall 5 1 13 59 21 5 21 21 145 
			 Bure 11 1 26 124 54 8 42 44 310 
			 Canterbury 9 2 19 81 38 6 19 15 187 
			 Cardiff 16 - 36 225 46 7 40 71 440 
			 Castington 11 1 33 134 54 7 39 44 321 
			 Channings Wood 7 2 27 140 51 11 38 60 335 
			 Chelmsford 15 - 31 194 64 9 36 64 413 
			 Coldingley 14 - 24 104 45 11 29 47 273 
			 Cookham Wood 10 1 23 113 37 8 29 28 248 
			 Dartmoor 7 8 27 129 46 10 41 62 329 
			 Deerbolt 13 2 25 151 56 6 43 47 343 
			 Dorchester 4 1 18 79 19 6 22 24 171 
			 Dover 4 2 18 107 62 5 14 44 256 
			 Downview 11 - 21 97 33 6 28 23 218 
			 Drake Hall 9 - 16 69 31 4 23 28 178 
			 Durham 22 2 41 243 86 10 65 56 524 
			 East Sutton Park 3 - 4 16 11 2 12 13 61 
			 Eastwood Park 12 1 22 130 39 6 37 27 274 
			 Edmunds Hill 9 - 17 92 40 4 27 30 219 
			 Erlestoke 6 - 18 104 52 8 29 33 250 
			 Everthorpe 12 - 34 118 44 8 38 28 281 
			 Exeter 10 1 27 142 37 8 47 37 308 
			 Featherstone 14 - 25 125 49 10 40 73 336 
			 Feltham 24 4 68 334 120 38 61 90 739 
			 Ford 8 1 11 49 34 8 29 27 167 
			 Foston Hall 4 5 15 89 55 8 26 50 251 
			 Frankland 29 3 71 526 133 43 69 113 987 
			 Full Sutton 29 4 62 379 125 19 39 112 770 
			 Garth 16 2 34 231 76 15 39 99 512 
			 Gartree 10 - 37 190 47 20 56 77 437 
			 Glen Parva 14 2 35 202 62 12 64 82 473 
			 Gloucester 4 - 20 100 32 6 29 17 208 
			 Grendon 12 2 21 112 48 20 37 42 294 
			 Guys Marsh 10 - 22 108 55 7 31 55 287 
			 Haslar 4 - 9 40 12 3 8 26 102 
			 Haverigg 13 1 22 117 59 11 44 62 329 
			 Hewell 26 - 57 284 122 14 77 75 655 
			 High Down 15 - 42 215 99 11 56 49 487 
			 Highpoint 17 - 28 170 102 12 51 69 449 
			 Hindley 13 1 34 229 54 11 34 52 427 
			 Hollesley Bay 6 1 7 45 30 5 23 31 148 
			 Holloway 21 1 37 199 78 19 50 106 511 
			 Holme House 23 3 43 315 64 13 71 61 592 
			 Hull 19 - 46 244 84 13 49 37 491 
			 Huntercombe 16 1 19 84 35 7 31 52 244 
			 Isis 14 - 24 147 46 9 59 10 309 
			 Isle of Wight 21 - 70 357 142 23 102 163 877 
			 Kennet 10 2 20 105 53 8 31 40 269 
			 Kingston 8 - 11 56 16 5 13 27 137 
			 Kirkham 7 1 13 57 33 13 40 48 212 
			 Kirklevington Grange 6 - 7 42 27 3 22 23 130 
			 Lancaster 9 - 12 64 26 7 22 19 159 
			 Lancaster Farms 9 8 35 182 51 6 38 39 367 
			 Latchmere House 3 1 6 29 18 3 13 9 82 
			 Leeds 17 4 60 310 112 11 55 38 607 
			 Leicester 6 - 19 117 31 7 29 7 216 
			 Lewes 15 3 30 184 68 7 40 24 369 
			 Leyhill 7 7 16 54 29 10 40 51 213 
			 Lincoln 15 1 28 158 59 10 45 18 334 
			 Lindholme 20 - 37 187 109 11 63 58 484 
			 Littlehey 17 1 48 239 101 11 56 135 608 
			 Liverpool 26 - 47 281 103 12 54 65 587 
			 Long Lartin 20 5 55 338 131 22 49 84 703 
			 Low Newton 9 - 19 118 47 8 34 43 278 
			 Maidstone 9 2 20 113 57 12 30 35 277 
			 Manchester 14 22 77 418 149 16 61 125 880 
			 Moorland 22 2 42 237 100 10 48 36 497 
			 Morton Hall 7 - 18 89 38 4 21 20 197 
			 New Hall 17 - 30 169 69 10 43 37 374 
			 North Sea Camp 7 1 9 44 23 5 24 14 127 
			 Northallerton 5 - 11 53 25 5 27 13 139 
			 Norwich 15 3 23 173 67 8 39 55 382 
			 Nottingham 17 1 45 266 117 9 73 42 570 
			 Onley 9 6 34 162 61 10 66 45 392 
			 Pentonville 22 6 52 321 89 11 49 51 600 
			 Portland 8 - 29 152 55 11 37 56 348 
			 Preston 18 3 41 211 69 6 51 34 431 
			 Ranby 10 - 30 201 87 12 14 77 431 
			 Reading 8 1 17 88 33 5 22 21 194 
			 Risley 16 3 36 242 70 14 42 64 486 
			 Rochester 15 4 33 198 73 10 58 65 455 
			 Send 9 1 20 72 33 7 27 25 192 
			 Sheppey Cluster 40 8 115 612 206 21 162 187 1350 
			 Shepton Mallet 7 - 9 49 26 7 18 24 139 
			 Shrewsbury 8 1 18 82 32 9 27 31 207 
			 Stafford 17 3 30 131 74 8 42 70 374 
			 Stocken 11 5 29 166 58 9 51 45 374 
			 Stoke Heath 18 - 38 205 68 11 47 68 455 
			 Styal 18 3 17 150 47 8 35 33 310 
			 Sudbury 5 3 12 50 31 13 33 37 183 
			 Swansea 12 - 21 114 26 4 30 33 239 
			 Swinfen Hall 16 - 30 165 69 16 36 61 392 
			 The Mount 8 7 29 131 54 12 45 55 341 
			 The Verne 9 - 16 79 61 11 33 56 264 
			 Thorn Cross 5 3 17 74 26 8 20 28 181 
			 Usk/Prescoed 10 - 13 67 31 5 21 38 185 
			 Wakefield 34 3 60 350 127 20 52 91 736 
			 Wandsworth 29 4 66 357 111 18 74 72 731 
			 Warren Hill 12 - 19 119 31 6 35 24 246 
			 Wayland 10 3 30 181 62 11 39 79 414 
			 Wealstun 16 - 35 166 76 12 52 80 436 
			 Wellingborough 12 - 25 125 54 10 44 17 286 
			 Werrington 9 1 15 74 30 9 28 22 187 
			 Wetherby 15 - 38 203 70 18 35 56 434 
			 Whatton 10 - 25 160 79 26 53 68 420 
			 Whitemoor 15 1 55 358 148 22 78 103 779 
			 Winchester 8 4 28 160 47 9 42 42 339 
			 Woodhill 21 - 72 389 135 14 76 59 766 
			 Wormwood Scrubs 20 10 45 272 85 16 63 76 586 
			 Wymott 18 4 31 224 85 15 48 106 531 
			 Public sector total 1,613 241 3,760 20,809 7,781 1,291 5,095 6,284 46,873 
			  - - - - - - - - - 
			  Private sector - - - - - - - - - 
			 Altcourse 54 - - 347 25 19 54 120 619 
			 Ashfield(4) - - - - - - - - - 
			 Bronzefield 26 - 29 156 32 2 34 108 386 
			 Doncaster(4) - - - - - - - - - 
			 Dovegate(4) - - - - - - - - - 
			 Forest Bank 30 - 39 273 36 3 45 125 551 
			 Lowdham Grange(4) - - - - - - - - - 
			 Parc 15 43  298 32 31 72 168 659 
			 Peterborough 26 - 38 275 41 3 41 111 535 
			 Rye Hill 14 22 - 146 18 8 30 32 270 
			 Wolds 19 - - 102 13 10 20 46 210 
			 Private sector total(5) 184 65 106 1,597 197 76 296 710 3,230 
			 NOMS HQ(3) 237 74 107 54 28 1,257 752 570 3,080 
			 Total 2,034 380 3,973 22,460 8,005 2,624 6,143 7,564 53,183 
			 (1) Including developing prison service managers. (2) Also includes senior civil servants. (3) Includes national headquarters and Director of Offender Managers offices and regional service teams. (4 )Staffing plans for March 2011 are not held by the contractor, although no changes to staffing levels are anticipated. (5 )Grades in private sector prisons differ from public sector prisons.

Prisons

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many appointments there have been to each grade in the Prison Service since March 2010; and if he will make a statement.

Crispin Blunt: Information on the number of appointments made to each grade in the public and private sector Prison Service and NOMS HQ from 1 March 2010 to 30 June 2010 (latest published date) is shown in the following tables.
	
		
			  Appointments( 1)  made to each grade in the public sector Prison Service and NOMS HQ between 01 March 2010 and 30 June 2010 
			  Grade name  Public sector prisons  NOMS HQ  Total 
			 Administrative Assistant 35 5 40 
			 Administrative Officer 62 33 95 
			 Executive Officer 1 9 10 
			 Admin Other 6 0 6 
			 Admin Senior Civil Servant 0 1 1 
			 Chaplaincy 7 0 7 
			 Healthcare Nursing Grades 9 0 9 
			 Healthcare Other 2 0 2 
			 Industrial 55 14 69 
			 Non Industrial 18 1 19 
			 Non Operational Managers 0 19 19 
			 Non Operational Senior Managers 0 6 6 
			 Operational Support Grade 260 7 267 
			 Psychology 46 2 48 
			 Unified Managers 0 1 1 
			 Unified Principal Officer 0 0 0 
			 Unified Prison Officer 179 0 179 
			 Unified Senior Managers 0 5 5 
			 Unified Senior Officer 0 0 0 
			 No grade recorded 3 1 4 
			 Total 683 104 787 
			 (1) Appointments figures are based on records of persons joining the service. 
		
	
	
		
			  Appointments made to each grade in the contracted prison estate between 1 March 2010 and 30 June 2010 
			  Grade  Total 
			 OSG 28 
			 Prison Custody Officer 57 
			 Admin 18 
			 Healthcare 15 
			 Non Operational Manager 3 
			 Operational Manager 3 
			 Psychology 2 
			 Industrial 0 
			 Non-Industrial 4 
			 Education 1 
			 Other 37 
			 Total 137

Prisons: Training

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many unfilled places there were on each training course for new prison officer grades since their introduction; and if he will make a statement.

Crispin Blunt: Since 1 October 2009, when Prison Officer 2 recruitment was introduced, there have been 96 unfilled training places. This figure includes those who were offered a training place but, subsequently, decided not to take up their offer of employment. 50 Prison Officer Entry Level Training (POELT) courses have delivered 901 training places against 997 scheduled places.

Squatting

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what timetable he has set for bringing forward his proposals to reduce the incidence of squatting.

Crispin Blunt: As I said in my previous answer to the hon. Member we are reviewing the options for strengthening the law in relation to squatting and the way in which it is enforced. We hope to conclude this work early next year.

Tribunals: Housing

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will consider the introduction of specialist housing tribunals in cases of the repossession of homes by landlords.

Jonathan Djanogly: There are currently no plans to transfer specific housing matters from the county courts to tribunals.

Young Offenders

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many  (a) children and young people under the age of 18 years and  (b) looked-after children and young people under the age of 18 years were released from custody in each local authority area in England and Wales in each of the last five years.

Crispin Blunt: The following table shows the number of custodial episodes ended for children and young people under the age of 18 years by the youth offending team they were attached to in each of the last five years where data are available.
	The majority of youth offending teams are coterminous with local authorities in England and Wales; however there are some exceptions where a single YOT covers two or more local authorities. During 2008-09, there were 157 YOTs; 139 in England and 18 in Wales.
	Accurate data on the number of looked-after children are not collected centrally by the Youth Justice Board.
	
		
			   2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09 
			 Barking and Dagenham 76 82 94 82 64 
			 Barnet 67 38 59 71 60 
			 Barnsley 63 46 43 48 41 
			 Bath and North East Somerset 28 26 20 27 19 
			 Bedfordshire 63 73 56 64 60 
			 Bexley 21 35 47 33 24 
			 Birmingham 567 498 497 405 375 
			 Blackburn with Darwen 48 34 33 32 41 
			 Blackpool 50 33 45 69 61 
			 Blaenau, Gwent and Caerphilly 44 39 62 32 39 
			 Bolton 80 91 74 85 87 
			 Bournemouth and Poole 48 61 33 18 17 
			 Bracknell Forest 7 11 14 19 25 
			 Bradford 104 125 135 142 125 
			 Brent 69 92 64 95 126 
			 Bridgend 33 31 26 34 27 
			 Brighton and Hove 29 23 36 59 47 
			 Bristol 81 75 101 134 124 
			 Bromley 23 28 46 43 40 
			 Buckinghamshire 33 18 31 15 26 
			 Bury 27 30 40 39 39 
			 Calderdale 57 54 53 53 60 
			 Cambridgeshire 38 51 45 40 55 
			 Camden 28 43 49 54 46 
			 Cardiff 156 127 116 123 73 
			 Carmarthenshire 25 26 38 37 31 
			 Ceredigion - 2 19 17 4 
			 Cheshire 97 113 111 140 90 
			 Conwy and Denbighshire 34 49 39 48 41 
			 Cornwall 14 43 45 34 37 
			 Coventry 116 115 117 74 78 
			 Croydon 77 89 110 102 116 
			 Cumbria 100 85 101 121 108 
			 Darlington 30 26 24 31 26 
			 Derby 80 94 89 84 120 
			 Derbyshire 94 112 116 106 98 
			 Devon 43 54 51 43 37 
			 Doncaster 73 86 72 74 59 
			 Dorset 17 20 12 15 8 
			 Dudley 83 63 43 50 55 
			 Durham 69 76 62 71 83 
			 Ealing 39 49 89 115 112 
			 East Riding of Yorkshire 20 19 28 37 29 
			 East Sussex 41 64 61 46 42 
			 Enfield 49 76 111 82 75 
			 Essex 171 169 195 174 150 
			 Flintshire 51 55 63 27 23 
			 Gateshead 35 32 41 41 45 
			 Gloucestershire 64 92 91 53 62 
			 Greenwich 62 79 67 56 99 
			 Gwynedd Mon 44 41 35 30 26 
			 Hackney 89 82 113 121 119 
			 Halton and Warrington 35 55 55 58 63 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 39 59 55 70 47 
			 Haringey 104 82 87 104 85 
			 Harrow 15 31 40 31 19 
			 Hartlepool 11 10 28 30 26 
			 Havering 13 19 43 45 41 
			 Hertfordshire 112 124 115 92 93 
			 Hillingdon 57 44 61 46 65 
			 Hounslow 53 48 48 51 57 
			 Islington 55 61 73 96 86 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 29 20 30 39 32 
			 Kent 162 158 192 196 181 
			 Kingston-upon-Hull 126 138 145 138 118 
			 Kingston-upon-Thames 7 12 15 26 20 
			 Kirklees 119 120 138 105 81 
			 Knowsley 49 35 39 32 39 
			 Lambeth 103 137 145 144 152 
			 Lancashire 188 227 240 236 204 
			 Leeds 351 287 321 290 267 
			 Leicester City 120 123 100 101 100 
			 Leicestershire 73 53 73 46 52 
			 Lewisham 87 100 101 82 107 
			 Lincolnshire 75 59 60 75 48 
			 Liverpool 184 204 202 207 212 
			 Luton 53 47 45 49 36 
			 Manchester 350 376 385 362 330 
			 Medway 24 34 29 53 60 
			 Merthyr Tydfil 26 47 30 23 20 
			 Merton 32 39 42 35 48 
			 Milton Keynes 23 35 29 43 36 
			 Miscellaneous 21 11 9 6 6 
			 Monmouthshire and Torfaen 22 16 18 23 9 
			 Neath Port Talbot 19 30 31 30 20 
			 Newcastle-upon-Tyne 75 80 66 62 66 
			 Newham 137 116 133 124 126 
			 Newport 70 75 65 32 35 
			 Norfolk 65 63 52 68 77 
			 North East Lincolnshire 64 64 55 45 58 
			 North Lincolnshire 47 58 52 48 62 
			 North Somerset 13 14 11 10 23 
			 North Tyneside 67 54 54 60 43 
			 North Yorkshire 30 50 58 62 70 
			 Northamptonshire 84 69 86 120 95 
			 Northumberland 45 32 55 59 37 
			 Nottingham 201 218 249 202 185 
			 Nottinghamshire 99 139 108 102 94 
			 Oldham 58 53 108 100 79 
			 Oxfordshire 51 78 73 94 56 
			 Pembrokeshire 1 5 10 8 14 
			 Peterborough 66 67 64 78 70 
			 Plymouth 31 37 42 67 44 
			 Powys 10 13 9 9 4 
			 Reading 34 39 51 40 42 
			 Redbridge 44 67 91 75 59 
			 Rhondda Cynon Taff 65 58 40 33 46 
			 Richmond-upon-Thames 20 21 10 10 11 
			 Rochdale 81 83 61 75 85 
			 Rotherham 50 52 45 39 57 
			 Salford 145 130 108 115 94 
			 Sandwell 150 135 118 87 74 
			 Sefton 19 43 62 52 53 
			 Sheffield 119 111 151 132 143 
			 Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin 32 38 41 32 58 
			 Slough 23 17 21 32 24 
			 Solihull 21 23 32 24 25 
			 Somerset 35 40 43 38 35 
			 South Gloucestershire 10 17 12 13 19 
			 South Tees 70 72 96 69 93 
			 South Tyneside 67 25 39 31 27 
			 Southend-on-Sea 25 28 55 37 38 
			 Southwark 107 110 110 102 158 
			 St Helens 23 30 25 20 38 
			 Staffordshire 78 96 80 63 79 
			 Stockport 61 58 69 63 43 
			 Stockton-on-Tees 21 18 26 22 26 
			 Stoke-on-Trent 65 79 92 63 60 
			 Suffolk 99 99 102 104 113 
			 Sunderland 77 70 56 68 44 
			 Surrey 60 71 71 64 42 
			 Sutton 32 49 29 15 23 
			 Swansea 63 56 64 33 39 
			 Swindon 28 26 27 20 20 
			 Tameside 62 75 101 70 62 
			 Thurrock 46 28 44 37 32 
			 Torbay 9 9 17 26 14 
			 Tower Hamlets and City of London 37 69 83 69 73 
			 Trafford 88 113 94 78 80 
			 Vale of Glamorgan 14 16 12 18 23 
			 Wakefield 73 68 52 63 51 
			 Walsall 78 11 74 53 64 
			 Waltham Forest 77 65 66 72 83 
			 Wandsworth 59 73 83 114 93 
			 Warwickshire 34 49 66 54 43 
			 Wessex 372 354 413 451 420 
			 West Berkshire 7 10 20 19 16 
			 West Sussex 83 125 94 103 77 
			 Westminster 40 30 38 32 43 
			 Wigan 67 60 59 63 70 
			 Wiltshire 29 30 20 19 23 
			 Windsor and Maidenhead 12 8 6 6 5 
			 Wirral 73 61 61 79 45 
			 Wokingham - - 2 7 18 
			 Wolverhampton 83 67 56 48 62 
			 Worcestershire and Herefordshire 120 128 89 85 84 
			 Wrexham - - 15 51 46 
			 York 42 58 45 41 45 
			 Total 10,637 11,035 11,573 11,188 10,712 
			  Notes: 1. Please note Flintshire and Wrexham YOT split into two YOTs in 2001, though have been recorded as the combined YOT up to 2007. This problem has been corrected for 2008.  2. Mid Wales YOT split into two YOTs in 2005 to become Powys YOT and Ceredigion YOT in 2005, though were recorded as the combined YOT in 2006. This problem has been corrected from 2007. 3. Reading and Wokingham YOT split into separate YOTs in 2007. Though data appears in 2007, this is due to the fact that the split did not happen until April 2007. 4. These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing and may be subject to change over time.

Young Offenders

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many of those under the age of 18 years serving a Detention and Training Order in each  (a) young offender institution and  (b) secure training centre in England and Wales were registered as of no fixed abode on release from custody in each of the last five years.

Crispin Blunt: The YJB does not hold accurate data on the number of young people registered as of no fixed abode on release from custody.
	Local authorities have statutory responsibilities to accommodate young people in need of suitable accommodation through the Children Act 1989, the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 and housing legislation.

EDUCATION

Adoption

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has for the future of  (a) legislation and  (b) guidelines on contested adoption cases.

Tim Loughton: The law and the statutory guidance on adoption make clear that children cannot be adopted without their parents' consent unless the court is satisfied that the welfare of the child requires their consent to be dispensed with. We have no plans to change the position in this regard.

Children in Care

John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many children became subject to a care order, police protection order or emergency protection order in England in each year from 1989 to 2007.

Tim Loughton: The number of children who became subject to a care order, police protection order or emergency protection order for years ending 31 March 1993 to 2007 is shown in the following table. Information for the year ending 31 March 1992 is affected by the introduction of the Children Act on 14 October 1991 when a new system of legal statuses was introduced, so it is not possible to extract a full year's data. Information prior to 1992 is not available.
	
		
			  Children who became subject to a care order, police protection order or emergency protection order: Years ending 31 March 1993 to 2007: Coverage: England 
			   Total 
			 1993(1) 4,000 
			 1994(1) 5,100 
			 1995(1) 5,600 
			 1996(1) 5,800 
			 1997(1) 6,100 
			 1998(2) 7,100 
			 1999(2) 7,100 
			 2000(2) 7,700 
			 2001(2) 7,000 
			 2002(2) 7,400 
			 2003(2) 8,100 
			 2004(1) 7,600 
			 2005(1) 7,800 
			 2006(1) 7,700 
			 2007(1) 7,700 
			 (1) Figures are taken from the SSDA903 return which covered all children looked after. (2) Figures are derived from the SSDA903 one-third sample survey.  Notes: 1. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100 if they exceed 1000, and to the nearest 10, otherwise. 2. The figures exclude children who became looked after under a child assessment order, so may differ from the figures for children who were taken into care. 3. Historical data may differ from older publications. This is mainly due to the implementation of amendments and corrections sent by some local authorities after the publication date of previous materials. 4. Only the first occasion on which a child became subject to a care order, police protection order or emergency protection order, in the year has been counted.  Source: SSDA 903

Children in Care

John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many children subject to a care order, police protection order or emergency protection order or placed for adoption excluding children looked after under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 left care through adoption in England in each year from 1996 to 2010.

Tim Loughton: The number of children who were subject to a care order, police protection order or emergency protection order or placed for adoption excluding children looked after under section 20 of the Children Act 1989, who left care through adoption in England in each year ending 31 March 1996 to 2010 is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Children who were adopted during the year ending 31 March who were subject to a care order, police protection order or emergency protection order or who were placed for adoption( 1, 2, 3) - y ears ending 31 March 1996 to 2010 
			   Number of children 
			 1996(4) 1,400 
			 1997(4) 1,400 
			 1998(5) 1,700 
			 1999(5) 1,500 
			 2000(5) 2,100 
			 2001(5) 2,600 
			 2002(5) 3,100 
			 2003(5) 3,300 
			 2004(4) 3,400 
			 2005(4) 3,400 
			 2006(4) 3,400 
			 2007(4) 3,100 
			 2008(4) 2,900 
			 2009(4) 3,100 
			 2010(4) 3,000 
			 (1) Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100 if they exceed 1,000, and to the nearest 10, otherwise. (2) Figures exclude children looked after under section 20 of the Children Act 1989 and also under an agreed series of short-term placements. (3) Historical data may differ from older publications. This is mainly due to the implementation of amendments and corrections sent by some local authorities after the publication date of previous materials. (4) Figures are taken from the SSDA903 return which covered all children looked after. (5) Figures are derived from the SSDA903 one third sample survey.  Source: SSDA903

Departmental Fines

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many transport-related fines his Department has settled on behalf of its staff in each year since 2005; and what the cost to the public purse was in each such year.

Tim Loughton: The Department for Education's (DFE) travel and subsistence policy clearly states that it is entirely the responsibility of employees to pay any transport-related fines they occur on official business.
	There is no evidence held centrally to indicate that the Department has settled any transport-related fines on behalf of its staff since 2005. To provide absolute confirmation of this would incur disproportionate cost.

Departmental Services: Post Office

Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the monetary value was of contracts between his Department and its predecessors and  (a) Post Office Ltd and  (b) Royal Mail in (i) 1997-98 and (ii) each year since 2004-05.

Tim Loughton: The Department and its predecessors has no formal contracts with Post Office Ltd or Royal Mail but uses Royal Mail services through local arrangements between Royal Mail distribution depots and our regional headquarter offices for the despatch of letters and parcels.
	There is no information available for the years 1997-98 and 2004-05 but since 2005-06 the spend on Royal Mail letter and parcel services has been:
	
		
			   £ 
			 2005-06 312,250.00 
			 2006-07 275,739.00 
			 2007-08 180,864.00 
			 2008-09 177,705.00 
			 2009-10 110,257.00

Departmental Regulation

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what regulations sponsored by his Department have been revoked in the last six months.

Tim Loughton: In the period 12 May 2010 to 12 November 2010 the Department for Education has revoked a number of regulatory statutory instruments or significant parts of statutory instruments. These are detailed in the following table. However, as indicated by the third column of the table, in some cases the content of the revoked statutory instrument has been largely replaced.
	
		
			  Regulations revoked  Revoking instrument  Comments 
			 The Children (Leaving Care) (England) Regulations 2001 The Care Leavers (England) Regulations 2010 Revoked but replaced. Coming into force 1 April 2011 
			 The Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Regulations 2003 (as amended) The Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Regulations 2010 Revoked but replaced 
			 The Education (Prescribed Public Examinations) Regulations 1989 The Education (Prescribed Public Examinations) (England) Regulations 2010 Revoked so far as they applied to maintained schools in England, but replaced. Coming into force 1 January 2011 
			 The National Care Standards Commission (Registration) Regulations 2001 The Care Standards Act 2000 (Registration) (England) Regulations 2010 Revoked but replaced 
			 The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (Appropriate Officer and Schedule 7 Prescribed Persons) Regulations 2010 The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (Appropriate Officer and Schedule 7 Prescribed Persons) (Revocation) Regulations 2010 - 
			 The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (Supervisory Authorities and Devolution Alignment) Order 2010 The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (Supervisory Authorities and Devolution Alignment) Order 2010 The devolution alignment aspect of the order was revoked 
			 The Education (School Teachers' Pay and Conditions) Order 2009 The School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Order 2010 Revoked but replaced 
			 The Education (Pupil Referral Units) (Application of Enactments) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 The Education (Pupil Referral Units) (Application of Enactments) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2010 - 
			 The School Information (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 The School Information (England) (Amendment) (Revocation) Regulations 2010 - 
			 The School Governance (Transition from an Interim Executive Board) (England) Regulations 2004 The School Governance (Transition from an Interim Executive Board) (England) Regulations 2010 Revoked but replaced 
			 The Children's Trust Board (Children and Young People's Plan) (England) Regulations 2010 The Children's Trust Board (Children and Young People's Plan) (England) (Revocation) Regulations 2010 -

Departmental Regulation

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what new regulations sponsored by his Department have been introduced through  (a) primary legislation and  (b) statutory instrument in the last six months.

Tim Loughton: In the period 12 May 2010 to 12 November 2010, one new Act of Parliament (the Academies Act 2010) received Royal Assent. The Department for Education commenced provisions of other Acts of Parliament relating to education, children and families. Nine regulation-making powers contained in primary legislation were commenced during that period. The Department made 11 statutory instruments which contain substantive regulations. Eight of these came into force by 12 November, as follows:
	The Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Regulations 2010
	The Care Standards Act 2000 (Registration) (England) Regulations 2010
	The School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Order 2010
	The Equality Act (Designation of Institutions with a Religious Ethos) Order 2010
	The Academy Conversions (Transfer of School Surpluses) Regulations 2010
	The Equality Act 2010 (General Qualifications Bodies) (Appropriate Regulator and Relevant Qualifications) Regulations 2010
	The School Governance (Transition from an Interim Executive Board) (England) Regulations 2010
	The Special Restrictions on Adoptions from Abroad (Haiti) Order 2010.
	A further three will come into force after 12 November, as follows:
	The Care Leavers (England) Regulations 2010
	The Education (Prescribed Public Examinations) (England) Regulations 2010
	The Education (Publication of Proposals) (Sixth Form College Corporations) (England) Regulations 2010.

Departmental Work Experience

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many unpaid, expenses-only internships there have been in  (a) his Department and  (b) public bodies which fall within his Department's area of responsibility in the last 12 months.

Tim Loughton: The Department does not fund any unpaid, expenses-only internships but does make unpaid summer internship placements available to graduates under the Teach First Programme.
	The Department does support the Cabinet Office's Summer Internship Programme which pays students participating over a six week period.
	Information on the number of unpaid, expenses-only internships for the Department's public bodies is a matter for them. The Department does not hold this information centrally and it could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Education Maintenance Allowance

Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what information his Department holds for benchmarking purposes on the effectiveness of conditional cost transfer schemes in increasing education staying-on rates in other countries; and if he will make a statement.

Tim Loughton: The requested information is not collected. To supply additional information would incur disproportionate costs.

Education: Sussex

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent assessment he has made of academic standards in  (a) primary schools and  (b) secondary schools in Mid Sussex constituency.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 29 November 2010
	 The Department has not conducted a specific assessment of academic standards in Mid Sussex constituency. However, Ofsted is expected to publish its Annual Children's Services Assessment of West Sussex, the local authority responsible for schools in Mid Sussex, in December. This will take account of the performance of schools in the constituency area.
	In terms of school performance in Mid Sussex, the latest published performance data show:
	
		
			  Percentage of 11-year-olds in primary schools achieving level 4 or above in their 2009 key stage 2 results 
			  Subject  Mid Sussex  National average 
			 English 86 80 
			 Maths 84 79 
			 Science 92 88 
			 Percentage of pupils gaining 5 or more A*-C GCSE or equivalent passes in 2009 71.9 70 
			 Percentage of pupils gaining 5 or more A*-C GCSE or equivalent passes, including English and maths in 2009 59.4 50.9

Sex and Relationships Education

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether the forthcoming curriculum review will consider sex and relationships education.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 29 November 2010
	Sex and relationships education is not currently part of the national curriculum and will not be within scope of the national curriculum review. However, we intend to conduct an internal review to determine how we can support schools to improve the quality of all personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education teaching, giving teachers the flexibility to use their judgement about how best to deliver PSHE education, including sex and relationships education.

Institute for Fiscal Studies

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much his Department spent on services provided by the Institute for Fiscal Studies in each of the last 10 years.

Tim Loughton: The Department's financial records only go back as far as 2002 but I can tell the hon. Gentleman that based on these records they show that from April 2002 to October 2010 the Department spent £418,342 on services provided by the Institute for Fiscal Studies.

Pupils: Bullying

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what research his Department has  (a) undertaken and  (b) evaluated on the causes of bullying in schools; when his Department last undertook a review of the evidence relating to the causes of bullying in school drawing on (a) UK and (b) international research; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Gibb: In May 2010, Partners Andrews Aldridge completed an overview for the Department on the issue of bullying. This examined national and international evidence to determine the causes of bullying, and recommended measures to reduce and respond to bullying both in schools and in our communities. We plan to publish the key findings of the review early in the new year.

Pupils: Bullying

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether his Department has offered assistance to The Big March campaign; and if he will make a statement.

Tim Loughton: Tackling bullying is a top priority for the Government and we are supportive of any initiative that helps reduce the suffering of children and young people at the hands of bullies. The Deputy Prime Minister met the organisers following the March and promised to consider carefully the campaigners' calls for a review of bullying guidance across Government. In addition, Ministers in the Department have agreed to meet the organisers to discuss the items raised during the campaign.

Pupils: Bullying

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent discussions  (a) he,  (b) Ministers in his Department and  (c) officials in his Department have had with the organisers of The Big March campaign; what issues were discussed; and if he will make a statement.

Tim Loughton: Beatbullying, the organisers of the Big March, attended a ministerial policy seminar on anti-bullying hosted by the Department on 9 November 2010. During this meeting we asked for their views and ideas on how existing anti-bullying policy can be strengthened. The Department will continue to consult with Beatbullying and all our partners on any changes to future Government anti-bullying policy.

Students: Finance

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether the Government plans to stipulate  (a) a minimum and  (b) a maximum award to students from the Discretionary Learner Support Fund in the 2011-12 academic year.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 29 November 2010
	Decisions regarding the new discretionary fund will be made locally, enabling schools, colleges and training providers to target support at those young people in greatest need. Current discretionary funds have no specified minimum or maximum payment.
	In finalising the arrangements for the enhanced discretionary learner support fund, the Department will consult with schools, colleges and training organisations, including on what guidance is required to administer the fund effectively.

Students: Finance

Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Education which training providers receive Government funding for the Discretionary Learner Support Fund; and how much was received by each such provider in the latest period for which figures are available.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 29 November 2010
	This is a matter for the Young People's Learning Agency (YPLA) who operate the Education Maintenance Allowance for the Department for Education. Peter Lauener the YPLA's Chief Executive, will write to the hon. Member for Erith and Thamesmead with the information requested and a copy of his reply will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

Teachers: Qualifications

Simon Danczuk: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what estimate he has made of the proportion of newly-qualified teachers who did not find permanent employment in each of the last five years; what steps he plans to take to reduce unemployment amongst newly-qualified teachers; what estimate he has made of the effects of the implementation of the proposals in the comprehensive spending review on unemployment amongst newly-qualified teachers in each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement.

Tim Loughton: The number and percentage of newly qualified teachers (NQTs) by their employment status is given in the table. The scope of these figures is NQTs who have gained qualified teacher status (QTS) via mainstream initial teacher training courses, and the table reports their employment status six months after gaining QTS.
	
		
			  Newly qualified teachers: Employment status six months after gaining QTS-Years: 2004/05 to 2008/09-England 
			Number of NQTs 
			   Teachers gaining QTS-Newly qualified teachers (NQT's)  In a teaching post  Seeking a teaching post  Not seeking a teaching post  Unclassfied  Total 
			 2004/05 27,150 21,960 1,130 1,010 3,050 27,150 
			 2005/06 27,010 21,960 1,450 1,100 2,510 27,010 
			 2006/07 26,980 22,100 1,300 1,130 2,450 26,980 
			 2007/08 26,470 21,760 1,220 1,090 2,390 26,470 
			 2008/09 26,650 21,550 1,750 1.160 2,190 26,650 
		
	
	
		
			   Distribution of NQTs ( % )  
			   In a teaching post  Seeking a teaching post  Not seeking a teaching post  Unclassified  Total  Proportion of NQTs in a teaching post who sought/ are seeking a post  (%) 
			 2004/05 80.9 4.2 3.7 11.2 100.0 95.1 
			 2005/06 81.3 5.4 4.1 9.3 100.0 93.8 
			 2006/07 81.9 4.8 4.2 9.1 100.0 94.5 
			 2007/08 82.2 4.6 4.1 9.0 100.0 94.7 
			 2008/09 80.9 6.6 4.4 8.2 100.0 92.5 
			  Notes: 1. Excludes teachers gaining QTS via employment based routes to ITT. 2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10.  Source: TDA Performance Profiles 
		
	
	This analysis indicates that the proportion of NQTs in a teaching post has remained fairly stable over the last five years.
	Centrally available information does not currently provide details relating to the type of contract held by teachers (such as permanent, fixed or temporary). The new School Workforce Census will collect information on the type of contract. First findings from this data collection are expected in spring 2011.
	It is our intention that the supply of qualified teachers matches as closely as possible the needs of schools, and the number of places to initial teacher training courses is calculated on this basis. Our estimates for funding of future teacher trainees for the comprehensive spending review (CSR) took into account the latest available data on the supply of teachers.
	Overall, funding for schools, including funding for the new pupil premium, will rise in real terms over the CSR period. We are providing maximum flexibility to schools in relation to how they spend the budgets allocated to them. It is for governors and headteachers to decide how to use their budgets to ensure the best outcomes for their pupils.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

Livestock: Slaughterhouses

Andrew Turner: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, how much meat of each type procured by the Department of Facilities was slaughtered using  (a) halal,  (b) non-halal and  (c) unknown methods in the latest period in which figures are available.

John Thurso: In the year to March 2010, the House of Commons Catering Service knowingly purchased halal meat to the value of approximately £1,500, or 0.25% of all fresh meat purchases. This was purchased expressly to cater for specific clients' requirements.
	The remaining meat purchased by the Department, at a value of approximately £590,000, was ordered and received as non-halal meat, but as stated in the reply given by the hon. Member for Middlesbrough (Sir Stuart Bell) to the right hon. Member for East Yorkshire (Mr Knight), on 16 November 2010,  Official Report, column 761W, this included an unquantified amount of poultry slaughtered using halal methods. Suppliers have confirmed that no other type of meat supplied to the House of Commons Catering Service has been slaughtered in accordance with halal or other special requirements unless expressly ordered as such.

Parliamentary Questions: Costs

Paul Beresford: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, what recent estimate has been made of the average cost to the House of a tabled parliamentary question for  (a) oral and  (b) written answer; what assessment the Commission has made of the effects on its costs of recent trends in the number of parliamentary questions tabled; and if he will make a statement.

John Thurso: The House Service estimates that the average cost to the service of a printed question and the accompanying answer in the period from 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2010 was £80. The average cost of a printed question prior to the answer was £44; the additional average cost associated with the reporting of an answer was £36. These calculations are based on the figures given in the following table:
	
		
			  Financial year  Number of questions printed  Total costs prior to answer (£)  Total costs of reporting answers (£) 
			 2007-08 68,379 2,844,170 2,341,603 
			 2008-09 69,510 2,898,112 2,321,740 
			 2009-10 55,736 2,760,102 2,378,795 
		
	
	These costs include printing costs and direct staff and staff-related costs. The estimated total costs include the estimated staff costs associated with advice to hon. Members and editorial work on questions not printed, including questions tabled for oral answer and entered into the shuffle (a process dependent upon automated random number generation to determine which questions appear on the Order Paper and in what order), but not printed. To these costs should be added the costs of electronic publishing and indexing; the former cannot readily be separately identified; the latter are estimated to be in the region of £65,000 annually. It is not possible to calculate separate averages for oral and written questions.
	It is estimated that 65% of the cost of questions prior to answer and 73% of the cost of reporting answers is attributable to printing-an average cost per question of £28 and per answer of £26. Any change in the number of written questions tabled directly affects such costs. The remaining costs are broadly fixed and will not fluctuate according to the number of questions, although staffing levels and some staff-related costs, such as additional hours payments and late night transport costs, may alter if there is a significant change in the volume of questions.
	The list of possible savings produced by the Management Board contains a suggestion that, from the start of 2011-12, the Questions Book should no longer be printed, leading to an estimated annual saving of £865,000 or around £13 per question.

Schools: Transport

Therese Coffey: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, how much the House of Commons Commission spent under its transport subsidy scheme in respect of schools in each constituency in each of the last three financial years.

John Thurso: The transport subsidy scheme was introduced in 2009 in response to a recommendation by the Administration Committee. The objective was to encourage a greater proportion of schools to visit Parliament through the education visits programme from outside Greater London and the South East. The UK was split into three geographic bands, A-C. Band A does not attract a subsidy, in band B schools can claim 50% of costs, up to a maximum of £650, and in band C 75% of costs, up to a maximum of £1,250. The full details of the scheme, including a list of which band each constituency falls into, can be found on the Education Service website.
	The following table provides the amount the House of Commons spent in individual constituencies where schools claimed under the transport subsidy scheme in the financial year 2009-10 (the first year of the scheme) and the current financial year up to July 2010. The cost listed is 70% of the overall subsidy paid as the cost of the scheme is shared with the House of Lords.
	For the 2009-10 financial year data the constituency boundaries are before the 2010 changes. The financial year 2010-11 data incorporate the 2010 boundary changes.
	
		
			  Total of claims made in the financial year 2010-11 by constituency (based on the post-2010 boundaries) 
			   HOC (£) 
			 Aberavon 262.50 
			 Aberconwy 432.65 
			 Altrincham and Sale West 260.23 
			 Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock 494.10 
			 Barnsley East 245.00 
			 Birmingham, Edgbaston 173.25 
			 Birmingham, Hall Green 136.50 
			 Birmingham, Hodge Hill 392.00 
			 Birmingham, Ladywood 455.00 
			 Birmingham, Northfield 148.75 
			 Birmingham, Selly Oak 262.50 
			 Blackburn 251.41 
			 Blackpool South 243.05 
			 Bosworth 123.33 
			 Bradford East 323.96 
			 Bradford South 170.35 
			 Brecon and Radnorshire 402.50 
			 Bristol North West 157.50 
			 Bristol South 150.50 
			 Burnley 455.00 
			 Cardiff South and Penarth 378.00 
			 Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire 512.40 
			 Charnwood 343.00 
			 Coventry South 350.00 
			 Derbyshire Dales 682.50 
			 Dewsbury 262.50 
			 Dudley North 218.75 
			 Glasgow North 455.00 
			 Gordon 689.38 
			 Grantham and Stamford 157.50 
			 Harborough 196.00 
			 Isle of Wight 875.00 
			 Kingston upon Hull East 455.00 
			 Strangford 875.00 
			 Sunderland Central 455.00 
			 Sutton Coldfield 437.50 
			 Taunton Deane 159.01 
			 Thirsk and Malton 119.49 
			 Truro and Falmouth 428.40 
			 Weaver Vale 616.56 
			 West Dorset 127.40 
			 Weston-super-Mare 278.25 
			 Wolverhampton South East 150.50 
			 Worcester 364.00 
			 Wyre and Preston North 97.49 
			 York Outer 455.00 
		
	
	
		
			  Total of claims made in the financial year 2009-10 by constituency (based on the pre-2010 boundaries) 
			   HOC (£) 
			 Aberavon 634.91 
			 Aberdeen South 875.00 
			 Alyn and Deeside 350.00 
			 Argyll and Bute 875.00 
			 Ashfield 315.00 
			 Ashton-under-Lyne 263.86 
			 Banff and Buchan 875.00 
			 Barnsley Central 213.50 
			 Barnsley East and Mexborough 880.25 
			 Barnsley West and Penistone 262.50 
			 Barrow and Furness 417.38 
			 Bassetlaw 3,039.84 
			 Bath 106.11 
			 Batley and Spen 217.14 
			 Belfast South 875.00 
			 Birmingham, Edgbaston 173.25 
			 Birmingham, Erdington 254.55 
			 Birmingham, Hall Green 309.03 
			 Birmingham, Hodge Hill 943.33 
			 Birmingham, Ladywood 104.00 
			 Birmingham, Northfield 282.02 
			 Birmingham, Selly Oak 348.29 
			 Birmingham, Sparkbrook and Small Heath 721.28 
			 Bishop Auckland 826.47 
			 Blaby 140.34 
			 Blackpool South 1,499.03 
			 Blaenau Gwent 808.63 
			 Bolton South East 860.23 
			 Bolton West 746.90 
			 Boston and Skegness 108.64 
			 Bournemouth East 149.63 
			 Bradford South 286.16 
			 East Devon 530.18 
			 Eccles 306.25 
			 Eddisbury 389.20 
			 Edinburgh South 139.42 
			 Fermanagh and South Tyrone 875.00 
			 Forest of Dean 741.48 
			 Fylde 237.93 
			 Gainsborough 315.00 
			 Gateshead East and Washington West 751.28 
			 Gedling 309.75 
			 Glasgow North 455.00 
			 Glasgow North West 455.00 
			 Gordon 875.00 
			 Gower 238.00 
			 Great Yarmouth 129.68 
			 Harborough 313.25 
			 Hazel Grove 539.53 
			 Hexham 455.00 
			 Inverclyde 1,666.18 
			 Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey 875.00 
			 Isle of Wight 1,324.58 
			 Kingston upon Hull East 437.50 
			 Kingston upon Hull North 964.57 
			 Lancaster and Wyre 1,983.37 
			 Leeds East 1,185.70 
			 Leicester South 127.75 
			 Leicester West 106.31 
			 Leominster 432.04 
			 Lincoln 178.36 
			 Liverpool, Riverside 180.67 
			 Liverpool, Wavertree 343.00 
			 Livingston 417.26 
			 Llanelli 1,312.50 
			 Pendle 764.10 
			 Peterborough 153.04 
			 Poole 121.88 
			 Preseli Pembrokeshire 593.25 
			 Preston 242.67 
			 Redcar 455.00 
			 Rhondda 197.75 
			 Ross, Skye and Lochaber 1,423.00 
			 Rossendale and Darwen 588.09 
			 Rotherham 834.91 
			 Rushcliffe 262.47 
			 Rutherglen and Hamilton West 455.00 
			 Rutland and Melton 150.50 
			 Salisbury 588.89 
			 Selby 371.88 
			 Sheffield, Brightside 255.64 
			 Sheffield, Hallam 210.00 
			 Sheffield, Hillsborough 645.91 
			 Sherwood 1,122.87 
			 Shipley 125.72 
			 Shrewsbury and Atcham 140.82 
			 Skipton and Ripon 784.40 
			 Sleaford and North Hykeham 170.56 
			 Solihull 295.60 
			 Somerton and Frome 161.00 
			 South Derbyshire 169.75 
			 South Dorset 224.00 
			 South Holland and The Deepings 212.29 
			 South Norfolk 709.25 
			 South Staffordshire 192.50 
			 South Swindon 1,120.86 
			 South West Devon 540.64 
			 South West Norfolk 167.30 
			 Wythenshawe and Sale East 192.50 
			 Yeovil 189.00

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Departmental Grants

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development 
	(1)  what grants have been awarded by his Department in 2010-11 to date; what grants he plans to award in each of the next two years; what the monetary value is of each such grant; and to which organisations such grants are made;
	(2)  what the monetary value of grants awarded by his Department was in 2009-10; and how much he expects to award in grants in  (a) 2010-11 and  (b) 2011-12.

Andrew Mitchell: In accordance with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD's) Development Assistance Committee (DAC), the Department for International Development (DFID) defines grants as "transfers in cash or in kind for which no legal debt is incurred by the recipient". This would account for the entirety of DFID's budget not allocated to loans and promissory notes.
	Detailed information on awards in relation to these grants is not available without incurring disproportionate cost. However, we can provide details on resource spend for 2009-10 of £5,281 million and forecast resource spend for 2010-11 of £5,817 million. Both these figures exclude loans and promissory notes and include administration costs, in accordance with OECD DAC guidelines. Forecast resource spend for 2011-12 is not yet available.

Developing Countries: Overseas Aid

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the One UN approach to UN agencies work in developing countries; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Mitchell: A number of evaluations of the One UN pilots have been carried out by country governments and the UN. These demonstrate that some progress has been made, such as aligning the UN closer to national frameworks and priorities. However, Delivering as One needs to go further to improve the effectiveness of the work of UN agencies in developing countries. The Multilateral Aid Review will assess how effective UN agencies are in working together, this will report in early 2011. An independent evaluation of Delivering as One is due for completion in 2011.

Sri Lanka: Overseas Aid

Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Sri Lanka on his Department's capacity to  (a) provide and  (b) fund programmes to rehabilitate internally-displaced persons and refugees in that country.

Alan Duncan: Ministers have had no recent discussions. The British High Commission in Colombo is in close contact with the Government of Sri Lanka. Officials from the Department for International Development (DFID) recently visited the country to assess the situation and review the impact of our remaining humanitarian projects, which target internally displaced persons (IDPs).
	The IDP situation in Sri Lanka has significantly improved with more than 270,000 displaced people released or returned to their homes and approximately 22,000 people remaining in camps. The UK's £13.5 million emergency humanitarian programme, which began in 2008, has provided water and sanitation, healthcare, shelter, cash grants and livelihoods recovery for displaced and returning families. This funding will be completed at the end of the current financial year after which we will continue funding for demining, to help enable those persons still displaced to return home. DFID has not provided aid, other than humanitarian assistance, to Sri Lanka since 2006, when the country graduated to middle income status.

Sri Lanka: Overseas Aid

Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether he has had recent discussions with the Government of Sri Lanka on land and property restitution programmes for the purposes of resettlement and assisting those displaced during the civil war in that country.

Alan Duncan: Ministers have had no recent discussions. The British High Commissioner in Colombo and other UK Government officials are in regular contact with the Government of Sri Lanka on a range of issues, including land rights. This subject has been raised on a number of occasions recently.

World Bank

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his policy is on reform of the World Bank; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Mitchell: The Multilateral Aid Review being carried out by my Department is assessing the effectiveness and value for money provided by multilateral organisations we fund in delivering UK development objectives. The World Bank is one of the organisations being assessed. The review will identify areas where the performance of each multilateral needs to improve, and that will provide a basis for us to discuss with them the reforms required. I will be publishing the results of the Multilateral Aid Review, including an assessment of the World Bank, and the implications for our funding and future engagement in February 2011.

WALES

Grants

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much funding her Department has allocated in grants for  (a) 2009-10 and  (b) 2010-11; and how much such funding she plans to allocate for 2011-12.

David Jones: Nil.

DEFENCE

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilian medical staff in each speciality have been employed by Defence Medical Services to provide support to Operation Herrick in each of the last five years; and what the cost to the public purse was of each type of support in each such year.

Andrew Robathan: The costs associated with civilian medical support to the operations in Afghanistan for the financial year 2009-10 and estimated costs for 2010-11 to date are:
	
		
			  Support to Operation Herrick-UK-based civilian medical personnel 
			   Specialism  Total cost (£) 
			  Financial year 2009-10 Locum dentists 84,781 
			  Dental nurses 9,852 
			  Counselling psychologist 1,320 
			  Community psychiatric nurses 32,310 
			  Health care assistant 151,551 
			  Locum general practitioners 203,916 
			  Nurses 473,968 
			  Occupational therapists 215,570 
			  Pharmacist 56,223 
			  Physiotherapist 458,922 
			  Psychologist 34,301 
			  Remedial instructor 139,028 
			  Social worker 128,878 
			  Sports rehabilitation 12,750 
			 Total  2,003,370 
			
			  Financial year 2010-11 Locum dentists 127,960 
			  Counselling psychologist 7,081 
			  Community psychiatric nurses 6,519 
			  Health care assistant 99,205 
			  Locum general practitioners 8,374 
			  Nurses 508,453 
			  Occupational therapists 233,487 
			  Physiotherapist 751,135 
			  Social worker 123,317 
			  Sports rehabilitation 107,819 
			  Registrar 19,530 
			  Senior care manager 17,995 
			  Podiatrist 33,516 
			  Exercise rehabilitation 58,546 
			  Consultants 36,334 
			 Total  2,139,271 
		
	
	
		
			  Support to Operation Herrick-Theatre-based civilian medical personnel 
			   NHS seconded nurses  Total cost (£) 
			  Financial year 2009-10 NHS 58,844 
			
			  Financial year 2010-11 NHS 291,810 
			  NHS-Paediatric 94,031 
		
	
	In addition, Army primary health care services costs attributed to the support of Operation Herrick for funding locums such as GPs, nurses, physiotherapists and health care assistants to backfill gaps in medical facilities arising from individuals deploying on Operation Herrick are as follows:
	financial year 2008-09: £1.6 million;
	financial year 2009-10: £2.2 million; and
	financial year 2010-11: £2.4 million.
	It is not possible to provide a more detailed breakdown of these costs.
	The Defence Medical Services also has an enabling contract for contracted medical support (nursing, medical support services and doctors) to Operation Herrick. The costs of this are:
	financial year 2009-10: £0.925 million; and
	financial year 2010-11 to date: £0.596 million.
	Other information requested is not held in the required format and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  whether his Department has a contract for the protection of supply convoys in Afghanistan with  (a) Watan Risk Management and  (b) Kandahar Security Force; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  whether his Department has a contract for the protection of supply convoys in Afghanistan with  (a) Commander Ruhullah,  (b) Colonel Abdul Razziq,  (c) Pacha Khan Zadran,  (d) Abdul Wali Khan and  (e) Commander Matiullah Kahn; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  whether private security companies contracted by his Department are required to be licensed; and if he will make a statement;
	(4)  how many private security companies are contracted by his Department in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Harvey: The Department does not contract with private military security companies in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many incidents of attacks on supply convoys supplying UK forces in Afghanistan were recorded in each of the last four years; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Harvey: Supplies are delivered to UK Forces in Afghanistan through a number of means, including military convoys, and contractor logistic convoys, contracted both by the UK and NATO. As a result we do not hold centrally complete statistics relating to the number of incidents of attacks on convoys supplying UK forces.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department has used the host nation trucking contract to supply UK forces serving in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Harvey: No. The Afghan host nation trucking contract belongs to the US Department of Defence, and is used to supply US troops in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department employs private security contractors to provide highway security for supply convoys in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Harvey: The Ministry of Defence does not contract with private military security companies in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Eric Joyce: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many armed forces personnel have served in Afghanistan since 2001.

Nick Harvey: holding answer 29 November 2010
	As at 1 October 2010, 95,160 past and present members of the UK armed forces have been identified as having deployed to Afghanistan. This figure only includes those people working within the geographical boundaries of Afghanistan. It does not include personnel who deployed to Afghanistan between the periods 1 January 2003 and 14 October 2005 for which data are not available.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who in his Department is responsible for the operational management of contracts with trucking companies to supply UK forces serving in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Harvey: Joint Force Support, the UK's logistic Brigade in Afghanistan, is responsible for the in-theatre management of contracts, as well as ordering from those managed by NATO. Defence Equipment and Support manage contracts to move supplies to theatre and Defence Food Services manage a food supply contract.

Air Force: Deployment

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions Royal Air Force fighters were scrambled from  (a) RAF Leuchars and  (b) RAF Coningsby to intercept aircraft in each of the last five years.

Nick Harvey: The number of days on which Royal Air Force Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) aircraft have been launched in each of the last five years is contained in the following table:
	
		
			  Number of days QRA launched 
			   Number 
			 2006 (1)2 
			 2007 19 
			 2008 15 
			 2009 14 
			 2010 (2)13 
			 (1) Records held from September 2006. (2) To date. 
		
	
	QRA aircraft are held at ground readiness at RAF Coningsby and RAF Leuchars. I am withholding the information as to which base QRA aircraft were launched from for each incident as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.

Aircraft Carriers

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate his Department has made of the effect on his Department's costs of the decision to change the in-service date of HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.

Peter Luff: The strategic defence and security review determined that we will build two Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers but only use one routinely, holding the other at extended readiness. We will convert the operational carrier with catapults and arrestor gear to allow us to procure the more capable carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter.
	The Ministry of Defence made initial estimates of the cost impact of measures for the purposes of formulating policy. We now need time to investigate and assess the best means of delivery. Until this work is completed, the MOD is not prepared to release any cost estimates.

Armed Forces: Allowances

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what allowance his Department provides to  (a) service personnel,  (b) ex-service personnel and  (c) dependants of service personnel.

Andrew Robathan: The Ministry of Defence provide service personnel and their dependants with a wide range of allowances ranging from accommodation allowances to separation and compensatory allowances. A comprehensive list of these allowances and their eligibility criteria is given in the Joint Service Publication 752, Tri-Service Regulations for Allowances, which is available in the Library of the House.
	Former members of the armed forces do not receive allowances from the Ministry of Defence although certain provisions may be made available to them, such as the provision of a dedicated free helpline and access to a free medical assessment programme. Some one-off grants are available in some instances, such as the funding for the War Widow(er)s Pilgrimage Scheme.

Armed Forces: Conditions of Employment

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the Strategic Defence and Security Review, page 6, what steps he is taking to renew the military covenant.

Andrew Robathan: Our commitment to rebuilding the covenant will set the tone for Government policy aimed at improving the welfare of service personnel, their families, and former service personnel.
	In our programme for government, we described a number of measures which are designed to rebuild the covenant. We have already announced the doubling of operational allowance, changes to rest and recuperation leave and a "Troops to Teachers" programme.

Armed Forces: Health Professions

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the current shortfall is in respect of medical personnel of each rank available for active service; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Robathan: A breakdown of Defence Medical Services (DMS) regular medical personnel manning levels are provided in the following table. While shortfalls exist in some specialties the DMS have met all the operational requirements placed on them. Medical support to deployed operations is absolutely vital and there is no question of British forces deploying on military operations without the appropriate medical support.
	Where a particular specialty is in short supply within the Defence Medical Services to support deployed operations, a flexible manning approach is used drawing upon regular personnel, reserves and allied forces and on occasions a limited number of civilian contractors are deployed to support operations and to backfill positions in the United Kingdom to allow uniformed personnel to deploy.
	The total number of personnel required by the DMS is neither calculated nor held by rank; therefore shortfall is shown by specialty, with the trained strength (as at 1 April 2010) split into 'officer ranks' and 'other ranks'.
	Actions are being taken to ensure that the DMS recruit and train sufficient staff particularly against specialities where there are shortfalls; however, the long duration of medical training means it will take some years before current shortages are fully addressed.
	
		
			  Defence medical personnel levels as at 1 April 2010 
			   Trained  s trength 
			  Job/specialty  Requirement  Officer Rank  Other Ranks  Total  Shortfall 
			  Dental Officers  
			 General Dental Practitioners 248.67 212 n/a 212 36.67 
			 Dental Public Health Officers 5.33 2 n/a 2 3.33 
			 Dental Support Officers 7.33 6 n/a 6 1.33 
			 Dental Surgery Assistants 423 n/a 415 415 8 
			 Dental Hygienists 73 n/a 52 52 21 
			 Dental Technicians 26 n/a 26 26 0 
			   
			  Medical Support Services  
			 Environmental Health Officer 31.33 25 n/a 25 6.33 
			 Pharmacist 22 11 n/a 11 11 
			 Physiotherapist 93.67 86 n/a 86 7.67 
			 Biomedical Scientist 63 6 57 63 0 
			 Operating Department Practitioner 124.33 2 164 166 -41.67 
			 Radiographer 48 3 35 38 10 
			 EH Technician 118 0 95 95 23 
			 Pharmacy Technician 61 0 63 63 -2 
			 Physiological Measurement Technician 11 1 6 7 4 
			 Medical Services Officers 511.67 444 n/a 444 67.67 
			 Medical Assistants/Combat Medical Technicians 3112.3 n/a 2895 2895 217.3 
			   
			  Nurses  
			 Burns and Plastics 16 5 2 7 9 
			 Emergency Medicine 210.3 60 80 140 70.3 
			 Genito-Urinary 13 2 7 9 4 
			 Infection Control 14.33 5 2 7 7.33 
			 Intensive Care 222.3 86 36 122 100.3 
			 Nurse Tutors 22 15 6 21 1 
			 Occupational Health 14 11 3 14 0 
			 Operating Theatre 66 33 18 51 15 
			 Orthopaedic 34 18 15 33 1 
			 Primary Health Care 92.3 48 126 174 -81.7 
			 Registered Mental Nurse 123 41 76 117 6 
			 Registered General Nursing 636 161 417 578 58 
			 Ear, Nose and Throat 12 1 0 1 11 
			 Gynaecology 11 0 0 0 11 
			 Neurosurgery 13 0 0 0 13 
			 Ophthalmology 16 0 1 1 15 
			 Other Specialties 2 2 8 10 -8 
			 Health Care Assistants 193 1 150 151 42 
			   
			  Medical Officers  
			 Anaesthetists 95 56 n/a 56 39 
			 Aviation (RN and Army) 13 9 n/a 9 4 
			 Aviation Medicine 7 3 n/a 3 4 
			 Burns and Plastics Surgeons 6 9 n/a 9 -3 
			 Dermatology 3 1 n/a 1 2 
			 Diving 4 1 n/a 1 3 
			 Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons 5 9 n/a 9 -4 
			 Emergency Medicine (Accident and Emergency) 30 19 n/a 19 11 
			 General Physician 29 17 n/a 17 12 
			 General Medical Practitioners 323 251 n/a 251 72 
			 General Surgeons 39.67 24 n/a 24 15.67 
			 Genito-Urinary Medicine/Urology 3 2 n/a 2 1 
			 Gynaecological Surgeons 3 0 n/a 0 3 
			 Haematology 4 0 n/a 0 4 
			 Maxillofacial Surgeons 9 7 n/a 7 2 
			 Medical Officers (RN) 16 6 n/a 6 10 
			 Microbiology 5 1 n/a 1 4 
			 Neurologist 3 1 n/a 1 2 
			 Neurosurgeons 3 0 n/a 0 3 
			 Occupational Health 32.33 32 n/a 32 0.33 
			 Ophthalmological Surgeons 5 7 n/a 7 -2 
			 Orthopaedic Surgeons 27 26 n/a 26 1 
			 Paediatrics 0 1 n/a 1 -1 
			 Pathologists 5 2 n/a 2 3 
			 Psychiatrists 28.33 14 n/a 14 14.33 
			 Public Health 6.67 10 n/a 10 -3.33 
			 Radiation 3 2 n/a 2 1 
			 Radiologist 6 9 n/a 9 -3 
			 Rehabilitation Medicine 11.66 7 n/a 7 4.66

Armed Forces: Health Professions

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average length of deployment on operations was for defence medical personnel of each rank in each year since 2005.

Andrew Robathan: This information is not held in the format requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	Operational tour lengths for Defence Medical Service personnel routinely vary between eight weeks and six months depending on their service and their particular speciality: rank of personnel is not a contributory factor in length of deployment.
	Consultants deploy for an average of eight weeks, nurses and hospital based personnel deploy for three to six months, while headquarters and support personnel would deploy for six months. Additionally, Royal Navy personnel are considered operational when serving at sea which can last up to two years, although they may not be away from the UK for the whole of this period.
	While there is not a fixed period of deployment for defence medical personnel, the Army, Royal Navy and RAF set individual guidelines for the maximum time service personnel should spend away and the minimum time that they should have between operational deployments, known as 'Harmony Guidelines'. This information is continuously monitored by the single services.

Armed Forces: Young People

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of new infantry recruits were aged under 18 years in each year since 2001-02.

Andrew Robathan: The figures for the percentage of those entering phase one infantry training under the age of 18 are as follows:
	
		
			   Percentage under 18 
			 2001-02 58 
			 2002-03 50 
			 2003-04 50 
			 2004-05 50 
			 2005-06 50 
			 2006-07 44 
			 2007-08 39 
			 2008-09 34 
			 2009-10 28

Armed Forces: Young People

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of infantry soldiers were aged 21 or below in each year since 2001-02.

Andrew Robathan: The proportion of infantry soldiers aged 21 or below since 2001 is as follows:
	
		
			  As at  1 April  each year  Percentage 
			 2001 37 
			 2002 37 
			 2003 36 
			 2004 36 
			 2005 34 
			 2006 33 
			 2007 33 
			 2008 32 
			 2009 31 
			 2010 29 
		
	
	The figures are for trained and untrained regular personnel only. Figures from 2007 onwards are provisional while work continues to validate data held on the Joint Personnel Administration system.

Armoured Fighting Vehicles

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the strategic defence and security review, page 24, what estimate he has made of the cost to his Department of introducing the Future Rapid Effects System Utility Vehicle.

Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence does not publish the costs of programmes or in-service dates until after their main investment decision point. To do otherwise could potentially undermine our commercial position.

Armoured Fighting Vehicles

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the strategic defence and security review, page 24, what estimate he has made of the cost to his Department of introducing a new range of medium weight armoured vehicles, including Terrier engineer vehicles and the Scout reconnaissance vehicles.

Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence currently has three medium weight armoured vehicle procurement programmes under way: the Terrier engineer vehicle, the Utility Vehicle (UV), and the Specialist Vehicle (SV), of which the Scout reconnaissance vehicle is a variant.
	The total estimated cost or in-service dates of the UV and SV programmes cannot be confirmed until their respective Main Investment Decisions are made. The Terrier engineer vehicle programme has passed Main Investment Decision and is currently in the Demonstration and Manufacture Phase. The programme will cost approximately £386 million.

Clyde Naval Base

Alan Reid: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what published information he has made available to local organisations and individuals about his estimates of the  (a) trend in the number of service personnel based at HM Naval Base Clyde and  (b) the projected number of (i) single living accommodation bed spaces and (ii) service family accommodation properties to be built between now and 2021.

Andrew Robathan: holding answer 25 November 2010
	On 6 May 2009,  Official Report, column 17WS, as part of an announcement regarding the Maritime Change Programme, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) confirmed that HM Naval Base Clyde will become the main operating base for all classes of submarines, including the future classes of submarines, such as the replacement for the Vanguard Class. Since then, the MOD has and continues to work closely with the local authorities in the Clyde area to assess the potential impact of this decision. This has included releasing preliminary information, which includes initial estimates of the potential numbers of personnel likely to move to the naval base and their potential accommodation requirements. The information released was for future planning purposes only and does not reflect what might be the final position.
	In view of his interest in this matter, I will write to the right hon. Member to provide him with a copy of the data released to Clyde local authorities along with an explanation of how these forecasts have been calculated.

Defence: Procurement

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what issues relating to  (a) lengths and  (b) intervals of tours of duty are being considered as part of the Defence Reform Unit's review.

Liam Fox: As set out in the strategic defence and security review White Paper I have initiated a review of force generation including tour lengths and harmony guidelines. The review will consider a wide range of factors including the impact on the morale and long-term sustainability of the armed forces and the implications of tour length on operational effectiveness, derived from continuity and sustainability. The Defence Reform Unit alongside the single Service Chiefs will ensure that we are being as efficient and effective as possible. I have asked that the review reports to me by July 2011.

Departmental Grants

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what grants have been awarded by his Department in 2010-11 to date; what grants he plans to award in each of the next two years; what the monetary value is of each such grant; and to which organisations such grants are made.

Andrew Robathan: holding answer 18 November 2010
	The departmental figures for FY 2010-11 are the forecast payments to be made this financial year. The funding allocation for the forward years has still to be agreed.
	
		
			  Name of grant/grant in aid  FY 2010-11 (£ million) 
			 Veterans Challenge Fund 0.280 
			 Armed Forces Day 0.290 
			 Reserve Forces and Cadets Association-Tri-Service activities 105.489 
			 Sports Board-in support of Tri-Service activities 0.811 
			 Museums e.g. Army, Air, Navy 20.568 
			 Welfare Grants 2.457 
			 St Clement Danes Church 0.020 
			 Royal Navy Historic Flight 0.225 
			 Commonwealth War Graves Commission 44.641 
			 National Memorial Arboretum 0.523 
			 Grants to the Royal British Legion 0.115 
			 Scott Polar Research Institute 0.035 
			 Gurkha Welfare Trust 1.155 
			 Royal Hospital Chelsea 10.838 
			 Royal Irish Benevolent Fund 0.127 
			 Council of Voluntary Welfare Work in Germany (Welfare Council) 0.031 
			 RMB Chivenor Nursery 0.015 
			 Duke of York's Royal Military School 0.786 
			 Victoria Cross and George Cross Association 0.040

Explosives

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what capabilities to counter  (a) explosive ordnance and  (b) improvised explosive devices will receive increased funding from his Department in each year of the Comprehensive Spending Review period.

Peter Luff: During the spending review period the Ministry of Defence will continue to invest in a wide range of capabilities to counter explosive ordnance and improvised explosive devices. Specific enhancements in this area will be agreed as part of the annual departmental financial planning round, which has yet to be completed. Urgent operational requirements will be addressed in the normal manner as they materialise.

Ex-servicemen: Radiation Exposure

Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he plans to disclose the top secret documents relating to UK atomic tests in compliance with the order from the War Pensions Tribunal; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Robathan: There have been an unusually high number of complex requests for classified information and documents in the current group of war pensions appeals' cases. The Ministry of Defence continues to work closely with the War Pensions Tribunal to find proportionate and cost-effective ways of ensuring that all relevant documents are disclosed and to meet the various timescales set out in the judge's latest set of directions. Special security arrangements have been agreed with the tribunal to ensure appropriate handling of any highly classified documents.

Falklands Islands

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what analysis his Department undertook of the capability of the armed forces in respect of defending the Falkland Islands from attack prior to the recent agreement with the government of France.

Nick Harvey: The Government remain unequivocally committed to the defence of the Falkland Islands. There have been no material changes made to the forces at the disposal of Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands, which include Typhoon aircraft on Quick Reaction Alert, C-130 and VC-10 aircraft, a dedicated Falkland Islands Patrol Vessel, the Roulement Infantry Company, the Falkland Islands Ground Defence Force, helicopter assets (including search and rescue), the Resident Rapier Battery, and various fixed installations on the islands. There is also no change to the continuous Royal Naval presence in the region.
	Additionally, I refer the hon. Member to comments made by the Secretary of State for Defence, the right hon. Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox) during debates in the House on 2 November 2010,  Official  Report, column 787, and 4 November 2010,  Official  Report, columns 1071-72.

France: Military Alliances

Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the proposed UK-France treaty on nuclear weapons co-operation, whether military flights between the UK and France will involve the transportation of nuclear materials.

Liam Fox: Some small amounts of nuclear materials will be transferred by military flights between the UK and France but there will be no transfer of ownership between the two states. Any necessary movements of nuclear materials between the UK and France in support of hydrodynamics experimentation will be conducted under the appropriate safety and regulatory regimes and will be consistent with our international treaty obligations.

HMS Astute

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects HMS Astute to resume sea trials.

Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on repairs to HMS Astute; and when it is likely to become operational.

Peter Luff: Following the grounding incident, which occurred off the Isle of Skye on 22 October, HMS Astute returned to Her Majesty's Naval Base (HMNB) Clyde at Faslane under her own power and was docked in the shiplift to enable detailed damage assessments and then repairs to be undertaken.
	The comprehensive range of assessments revealed that during the grounding incident, HMS Astute's lower rudder skeg was damaged. As a result of the subsequent towing incident, which occurred as HMS Astute was being towed in to deeper waters, the starboard forward hydroplane, a casing plate and a small number of surrounding anechoic tiles, as well as the rip-tow, which is a fitted towline attached to the submarine, were also damaged.
	I can confirm that the repairs required as a result of these two incidents have now been completed and, on 24 November, HMS Astute exited the shiplift facility. Consistent with normal practices, HMS Astute was assisted by tug from the shiplift to a submarine berth within the naval base.
	HMS Astute is now preparing to continue her extensive, First of Class, programme of training and sea trials. For security reasons I am unable to confirm when HMS Astute will sail from HMNB Clyde; however, the Department anticipates that this will be in December. Following completion of the training and sea trials programme, current plans indicate that HMS Astute will be ready for operational handover in 2012.

Military Intelligence

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance capabilities will receive increased funding from his Department in each year of the comprehensive spending review period.

Peter Luff: During the spending review period the Ministry of Defence will continue to invest in a wide range of intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance capabilities. Specific enhancements in this area will be agreed as part of the departmental financial planning round process, which has yet to be completed.

Nimrod Aircraft

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  if he will estimate the cost to the public purse of fulfilling the UK's obligations under the Convention on International Civil Aviation in respect of civilian search and rescue using  (a) the Nimrod MRA4 and  (b) alternative arrangements; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  pursuant to the answer of 28 October 2010,  Official Report, columns 450-1W, on Nimrod aircraft, what estimate he has made of the future support costs of  (a) aircrew,  (b) training,  (c) fuel,  (d) spares and  (e) ground crew in relation to (i) 21, (ii) 19 and (iii) nine Nimrod MRA4; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  what his most recent estimate is of the total lifecycle cost over 10 years in real terms of the Nimrod MRA4 in  (a) 1996 and  (b) 2010 over a 25 year life cycle; and if he will make a statement;
	(4)  if he will estimate the cost to the public purse of providing search and rescue cover for  (a) Typhoons and  (b) F-35 JSFs refuelling over the ocean from the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft using (i) the Nimrod MRA4 and (ii) alternative forms of cover; and if he will make a statement;
	(5)  if he will estimate the cost to the public purse of providing airborne intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance support for counter-terrorism purposes in UK waters using  (a) the Nimrod MRA4 and  (b) alternative methods; and if he will make a statement;
	(6)  what instructions he has given in relation to future  (a) sale,  (b) mothballing and  (c) decommissioning of the Nimrod MRA4 fleet; what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of each option; and if he will make a statement;

Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence has considered a range of options and concluded that the most cost effective is for the nine aircraft to be disposed of following recovery of equipment and systems that can be used elsewhere. Discussions are continuing with BAE Systems on the detail of the disposal.
	The MOD made estimates of cost savings accrued from measures considered in the Strategic Defence and Security Review for the purposes of formulating policy. Some of these have been published to help inform the public debate. In the case of the Nimrod MRA4 we estimate that around £2 billion will be saved over the next 10 years, by not bringing the aircraft into service. Release of further detail may prejudice the MOD's negotiating position with its commercial suppliers. The MOD is therefore not prepared to release more detailed savings or updated estimated in-service cost figures at this time.

Nimrod Aircraft

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the capabilities are of the  (a) dipping sonar of the Merlin helicopter and  (b) deployable Sonobuoys of the Nimrod MRA4; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Luff: Merlin helicopters can deploy the same sonobuoy types as planned to be used by the Nimrod MRA4, while simultaneously using its dipping sonar. I am withholding further information as its release could prejudice the security, capability and effectiveness of the armed forces.

Nimrod Aircraft

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the  (a) speed of reaction,  (b) radius of action and  (c) endurance is of (i) the Merlin helicopter and (ii) Nimrod MRA4; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Luff: I am withholding the information as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.

Nimrod Aircraft

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the likely effect on lift requirements of operation Herrick of the use of C-130J's as a replacement for the Nimrod MRA4; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of the use of C-130J aircraft as a replacement for the Nimrod MRA4; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  what the current deployment is of the C-130 and C-130K aircraft which are expected to replace the Nimrod MRA4; and if he will make a statement;
	(4)  what assessment he has made of the likely effect of the retirement of the C-130K in 2012 on its use as a replacement for the Nimrod MRA4; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Luff: The C-130 Hercules is not a replacement aircraft for the Nimrod MRA4. There will be no effect on the lift requirements of Operation Herrick. The withdrawal of the C-130K in December 2012 will not affect the situation as its tasks will transfer to the C-130J as part of the drawdown plan.
	The in-service fleet consists of 14 Hercules C-130K and 24 Hercules C-130J. The aircraft operate from RAF Lyneham. Aircraft support UK contingency operations and are deployed around the world on operations or exercises, but largely in support of Op Herrick.

Nimrod Aircraft

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of  (a) possible uses for and  (b) the cost to the public purse of the use of Nimrod MRA4 aircraft in an overland intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance role in support of land forces in Afghanistan in each of the next three years; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the consequences of ceasing Nimrod MRA4 aircraft support for the overland intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance role in support of land forces in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Luff: The Nimrod MRA4 maritime patrol aircraft has been assessed as unsuited to overland operations in Afghanistan. Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance capabilities are being delivered by a range of assets in Afghanistan, and they are kept under constant review to ensure that they continue to meet our mission objectives.

Nimrod Aircraft

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the earliest possible date for a remotely-piloted aircraft to be introduced as a replacement for the Nimrod MRA4; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the cost to his Department of the use of remotely-piloted aircraft as a replacement for the Nimrod MRA4 for  (a) intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance,  (b) maritime protection and  (c) search and rescue; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Luff: Our requirements for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) maritime patrol and search and rescue capabilities were assessed during the strategic defence and security review and these are kept under regular review. Any future change to our requirements will be considered as part of the Department's capability planning process.

Nimrod Aircraft

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what discussions he has had with the French Government on the use of Breguet Atlantiques as a substitute for the Nimrod MRA4  (a) intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance,  (b) maritime protection and  (c) search and rescue; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the cost of the introduction of the French Breguet Atlantiques as a substitute for the Nimrod MRA4 for  (a) intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance,  (b) maritime protection and  (c) search and rescue; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  what discussions he has had with the US Administration on the use of P3 Orions as a substitute for the Nimrod MRA4 for  (a) intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance,  (b) maritime protection and  (c) search and rescue; and if he will make a statement;
	(4)  whether any  (a) maritime patrol,  (b) search and rescue and  (c) intelligence gathering capability will be lost as a result of the use of P3 Orions as a substitute for the Nimrod MRA4; and if he will make a statement;
	(5)  whether any  (a) maritime patrol,  (b) search and rescue and  (c) intelligence gathering capability will be lost as a result of the use of French Breguet Atlantiques as a substitute for the Nimrod MRA4; and if he will make a statement;
	(6)  what estimate he has made of the cost to his Department of the introduction of the American P3 Orions as a substitute for the Nimrod MRA4 for  (a) intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance,  (b) maritime protection and  (c) search and rescue; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence has regular discussions with the Defence Departments of the United States and France on a variety of issues. We currently have no plans to replace the Nimrod MRA4 with either the P3 Orion, or the Breguet Atlantique.
	A range of military assets is used to mitigate the capability gap which emerged as a result of the withdrawal from service of Nimrod MR2 in March 2010. Following the decision not to bring the MRA4 into service, we will continue taking these measures forward. Further requirements which might emerge as a result of any change to the threat will be considered as part of the Department's capability planning process.

Public Expenditure

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the strategic defence and security review, what estimate he has made of the savings that will accrue to his Department through efficiencies in military training in each year of the comprehensive spending review period.

Nick Harvey: The Ministry of Defence made estimates of the cost savings accrued from measures in the strategic defence and security review for the purposes of formulating policy. Some of these have been published to help inform the public debate. Release of further detail may prejudice the MOD's negotiating position with its commercial suppliers. Furthermore, final savings figures will depend on detailed implementation, which will generally be subject to full consultation with all relevant parties, including the trade unions and the devolved Administrations, as well as the results of mandatory assessments on the impact that the measures will have on sustainability, equality and diversity and health and safety. The MOD is therefore not prepared to release more detailed figures at this time.
	One specific area of work that we will be focussing on is the Defence Technical Training Change Programme (DTTCP) which, following the termination of the Defence Training Rationalisation (DTR) project on 19 October 2010, is a new programme that has been established to build upon the work already started under DTR. DTTCP aims to deliver efficiencies through estate rationalisation and improvements in the delivery of tri-service technical training.

Trident

Bob Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 11 November 2010,  Official Report, column 449W, on Trident value for money review, what external assistance and technical consultancy his Department commissioned for the Trident value for money review; and how much it spent on each piece of work commissioned.

Liam Fox: £70,000 was spent on assessing the scope for improving efficiency within the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) and a further £120,000 was spent reviewing site infrastructure and processes across the AWE estate. In addition, £10,000 was spent modelling cost and risk on the successor deterrent submarine.
	Overall, the value for money review produced savings of £1.2 billion and deferred spending of up to £2 billion over the next 10 years.

Trident

Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost of replacing Trident in current prices.

Liam Fox: The 2006 White Paper "The Future of the UK's Nuclear Deterrent" (Cm 6994) stated that the total procurement costs of the successor deterrent capability will be in the region of £15 billion to £20 billion, at 2006-07 prices. Once the initial gate investment decision for the replacement submarine has been taken, I will be in a position to release more up-to-date costs.

HEALTH

Abortion Act 1967

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what  (a) statutory instruments,  (b) departmental circulars and  (c) other documents his Department has published consequent on the provisions of the Abortion Act 1967 since May 2009; and if he will make a statement.

Anne Milton: The provisions of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Registration of Regulated Activities) Regulations 2009 (SI 2009/660) required all independent sector providers who carry out regulated activities (such as abortion), to register with the Care Quality Commission from 1 October 2010. Failure to register constitutes an offence under the Act. The authoritative text of statutory instruments is published on the website of the Office for the Public Sector.
	No other statutory instruments, departmental circulars or other documents consequent on the provisions of the Abortion Act 1967 were published by the Department during the period in question.

Blood: Contamination

Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children under the age of 18 years have died as a result of receiving contaminated blood products while undergoing treatment in the NHS.

Anne Milton: The information requested is not available in the format requested before the dates identified here. Such information as is available is as follows:
	There have been no confirmed reports of any children under the age of 18 who have died as a result of receiving contaminated blood components while undergoing treatment in the national health service since 8 November 2005, when it became a statutory requirement for all United Kingdom blood establishments and hospital blood banks to report serious adverse blood reactions and serious adverse blood events to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This applies to whole blood, red cell concentrates, platelets, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, granulocytes and buffy coat preparations.
	MHRA have not received any adverse drug reaction reports regarding medicinal blood products associated with blood contamination and death since the Yellow Card scheme started in 1964.

Blood: Contamination

Alun Michael: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in  (a) Wales,  (b) Scotland, Northern Ireland and  (d) each region of England have been affected by the provision of contaminated blood or blood products in NHS facilities.

Anne Milton: Between 8 November 2005 and 26 November 2010 the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) received a total of 35 verified reports. One of these reports came from Wales, two from Scotland, none from Northern Ireland, and 32 from England. Of the 32 verified reports from England, one came from London, eight from the north-west, seven from south-central, four from the south-west, three from the west midlands and nine from Yorkshire and the Humber. 34 of these reports related to bacterial contamination and one related to a possible viral contamination with Hepatitis B.
	It is not known exactly how many patients in total were affected by the provision of HIV and/or hepatitis C contaminated blood or blood products in the 1970s and early 1980s.

Blood: Contamination

Nick Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he made of the merits of a fixed tariff compensation scheme for those affected by contaminated blood.

Anne Milton: The ex gratia schemes that are currently in place are not compensation but provide financial relief for those affected by contaminated blood. I refer the hon. Member to my statement of 14 October 2010,  Official Report, column 30WS.

Blood: Diseases

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether collaboration takes place between his Department and the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to assess risks posed to public health by climate change-related bloodborne pathogens.

Anne Milton: The Department of Health collaborates widely on issues related to climate change.
	The Government are committed to tackling the effects of climate change on health, which could intensify existing disease burdens and health inequalities.
	The Department of Health and the Health Protection Agency jointly published, "Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK 2008" which focused on the quantitative aspects of possible impacts of climate change on health. A copy has already been placed in the Library.
	The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is currently taking forward a national Climate Change Risk Assessment as required by the Climate Change Act 2008. The project is assessing the key risks and opportunities to the United Kingdom from climate change. Risks from new and emerging pathogens are being considered as part of this assessment. Additionally, the Department's National Expert Panel on New and Emerging Infections keeps the risks to public health from such threats under constant review.

Blood: Diseases

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to  (a) assess and  (b) mitigate the risks to public health posed by (i) the Asian tiger mosquito and (ii) other bloodborne disease vectors.

Anne Milton: As the Asian tiger mosquito ( Aedes albopictus) is not present in the United Kingdom, and our climate does not support its lifecycle, there are no steps necessary to mitigate the risks to public health from this mosquito.
	The risks to public health posed by the vectors of other blood-borne diseases have been assessed. Surveillance for mosquito and tick disease vectors was undertaken, and West Nile Virus was identified as a key public health risk to the UK. A plan has therefore been developed for the introduction of West Nile Virus to the UK, although the risk of this occurring is considered low. The Health Protection Agency currently runs mosquito and tick surveillance schemes to monitor the situation.

Blood: Donors

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received from the healthcare industry on the introduction of pathogen reduction technology in the NHS.

Anne Milton: Representations have been received in the last year from Cerus in relation to pathogen inactivation and from Macopharma in relation to prion reduction filters.
	Representations on technologies to reduce health care associated infections are submitted to the Rapid Review Panel (RRP) for consideration. The RRP deals with up to 100 submissions each year and their recommendations are published on the Health Protection Agency website at:
	www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1195733741864

Blood: Donors

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his Department plans to increase the range of pathogen reduction technologies used for the treatment of blood products in NHS facilities; and if he will make a statement.

Anne Milton: Decisions on the introduction of new pathogen reduction technologies for the treatment of blood products are informed by assessments of their efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness.

Blood: EU Law

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made on transposing the EU Blood Directive 2002/98/EC into domestic regulations and guidelines; and if he will make a statement.

Anne Milton: The EU Blood Directive 2002/98/EC was transposed into domestic regulation through the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005 No. 50, which came into force fully on 8 November 2005.

Cancer

Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for Health If he will take steps to ensure that Plymouth Derriford Hospital Trust may receive income from making its CyberKnife technology available for the treatment of cancer patients.

Paul Burstow: Hospitals receive income from a variety of sources, such as through the payment by results national tariff and local contract payments for services not covered by the tariff.
	Reimbursement for radiotherapy services falls outside the scope of the mandatory national tariff. The income that trusts receive for radiotherapy services, and the devices that are used in the delivery of these services, is subject to local negotiation between providers and commissioners.
	Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust will wish to ensure that when negotiating prices with its commissioners for radiotherapy services, the costs associated with the use of devices such as CyberKnife are taken into consideration.

Dental Services: Cumbria

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients were seen by NHS dentists in  (a) England,  (b) the North West,  (c) Cumbria and  (d) Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency in each of the last 10 years.

Simon Burns: Information is not available in the format requested.
	The number of people registered with a national health service dentist in England, as at 31 March, 1997 to 2006 is available in Annex A of the "NHS Dental Activity and Workforce Report, England: 31 March 2006". Information is provided by primary care trust (PCT) and by strategic health authority (SHA). Annex C provides this information by parliamentary constituency.
	This information is based on the old contractual arrangements which were in place up to and including 31 March 2006. This report, published on 23 August 2006, has already been placed in the Library and is also available on the NHS Information Centre website at:
	www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/dwfactivity
	Under the new dental contractual arrangements, introduced on 1 April 2006, patients do not have to be registered with an NHS dentist to receive NHS care. The closest equivalent measure to 'registration' is the number of patients receiving NHS dental services ('patients seen') over a 24-month period. However, this is not directly comparable to the registration data for earlier years.
	Information on the number of patients seen in the previous 24-months, in England, is available in Table D1 of Annex 3 of the "NHS Dental Statistics for England: 2010/11, First quarterly report". Information is available at quarterly intervals, from 31 March 2006 to 30 September 2010 and is provided by PCT and SHA, but is not available by parliamentary constituency.
	This report, published on 24 November 2010, has already been placed in the Library and is also available on the NHS Information Centre website at:
	www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/dentalstats1011q1

Departmental Written Questions

Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many and what proportion of questions tabled to the Secretary of State for written answer on a named day were answered substantively before or on the day named for answer  (a) in Session 2009-10 and  (b) since May 2010; how many such questions tabled between May 2010 and 12 November 2010 had not received a substantive answer by 18 November 2010; and what estimate he has made of the average cost to his Department of answering a question for written answer on a named day on the day named for answer in the latest period for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many and what proportion of questions tabled to the Secretary of State for ordinary written answer  (a) in Session 2009-10 and  (b) since May 2010 were answered within (i) seven days and (ii) 14 days of tabling; how many such questions tabled between May 2010 and 12 November 2010 remained unanswered by 18 November 2010; and what estimate he has made of the average cost to his Department of answering a question for ordinary written answer within seven days of tabling in the latest period for which figures are available.

Simon Burns: The Government have committed to providing the Procedure Committee with sessional statistics in a standard format on the time taken to respond to written parliamentary questions for the 2009-10 Session. This information will be submitted to the Procedure Committee shortly.
	The information requested since May 2010 is shown in the following tables.
	
		
			   Questions for answer on a named day 
			 Total number of parliamentary questions (PQs) 436 
			 Answered on day named for answer 428 
			 Proportion (percentage) 98.0 
			 Number unanswered at 18 November 2010 0 
		
	
	
		
			   Questions for ordinary written answer 
			 Total number of PQs 1,814 
			 Answered within five sitting days(1) 1,646 
			 Percentage 91.0 
			 Answered within 10 sitting days 1,716 
			 Percentage 95 
			 Number unanswered at 18 November 2010 2 
			 (1) The Government aim to reply to parliamentary questions within a working week and for consistency we measure performance against five sitting days. 
		
	
	The Treasury conducts an annual indexation exercise of the cost of written and oral parliamentary questions so as to ensure that these average costs are increased in line with increases in underlying costs. The estimated costs for each written question from 20 January 2010 is £154.
	The Treasury, in making its assessment of the cost of answering questions, does not differentiate between the types of written questions.

Diabetes: Children

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the support and information on carbohydrate counting given to children with Type 1 diabetes; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Burstow: The Department has not made a formal assessment of the support and information available on carbohydrate counting provided to children with Type 1 diabetes. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has produced clinical guidelines on the management of Type 1 diabetes, which addresses education on insulin, dietary management and counting carbohydrate intake as an essential part of the care package.
	Paediatric diabetes specialist teams play a vital role in good diabetes care, providing support and education including information on carbohydrate counting. The recently published NHS Diabetes care pathway on the management of Type 1 diabetes in childhood and adolescence stresses the importance of carbohydrate counting.

Disability: Children

Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will write to primary care trusts setting out the baseline funding allocation for disabled children's frontline services for the next three years.

Simon Burns: Primary care trust (PCT) revenue allocations are not broken down by policy or service area. Once allocated, it is for PCTs to commission the services they require to meet the healthcare needs of their local populations, taking account of both local and national priorities.
	PCTs have been informed of their revenue allocations up to 2010-11. Allocations post 2010-11 will be announced in December 2010.
	From 2013-14 onwards, the NHS Commissioning Board will be responsible for the fair and efficient use of resources in the national health service. The detail of how resources are allocated to general practitioner (GP) consortia will be a matter for the Commissioning Board. Shadow allocations to GP consortia will be published in late 2011 for 2012-13, and actual allocations for 2013-14 in late 2012.

Drugs: Misuse

Bob Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has made an assessment of the effectiveness of coercive treatment for drug addiction in comparison to the effectiveness of voluntary treatment.

Anne Milton: The Home Office-commissioned Drug Treatment Outcome Research Study (DTORS, 2009) found that criminal justice referrals resulted in equivalent levels of change to non-criminal justice referrals across nearly all outcomes.

General Practitioners

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether GP consortia will be expected to engage directly with representatives of those local allied health professional bodies which have a formal relationship with strategic health authorities.

Anne Milton: We are not aware of any formal relationships between allied health professional bodies and strategic health authorities.
	Effective general practitioner-led commissioning will require the full range of clinical and professional input alongside that of local people. Nurses, allied health professionals and others will all have a vital role to play, with a real opportunity to develop services and improve the health outcomes of their local populations.

Health Care: Public Expenditure

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much additional funding he plans to allocate to the provision of health care to service personnel as part of the comprehensive spending review settlement for his Department in  (a) 2010-11,  (b) 2011-12,  (c) 2012-13,  (d) 2013-14 and  (e) 2014-15.

Simon Burns: In 2010-11, primary care trusts (PCTs) received an increase in revenue funding of £4.4 billion (5.5%). The funding formula upon which the allocations are based takes account of the location of armed forces bases. However, PCT allocations are not broken down by service or policy area, rather it is for PCTs to commission primary and secondary health services to meet national and local priorities. This funding provides standard secondary care services to service personnel; however, their primary care services and non-standard secondary care services are funded by the Ministry of Defence through Defence Medical Services.
	In October, the Government announced that health funding will grow by £10.6 billion during this spending review for the years 2011-12 to 2014-15. All patients, including serving personnel, will benefit from the increased funding for health set out in the spending review and from the White Paper reforms. PCT allocations post 2010-11 will be announced in December.
	As part of its capital settlement, the Department will also contribute over the spending review period to the capital costs of two health initiatives led by the Ministry of Defence to support health care for the armed forces by providing a medical training establishment and new mental health facilities.

Health Services: Essex

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what plans he has to assess the cost-benefit analysis of the cluster formed by the Mid Essex, North East Essex and West Essex primary care trusts;
	(2)  how many positions will be abolished in  (a) the Mid Essex Primary Care Trust,  (b) the North East Essex Primary Care Trust and  (c) the West Essex Primary Care Trust as a result of those trusts forming a cluster; and what estimate he has made of the cost of staff leaving those trusts as a result of the merger;
	(3)  what estimate he has made of the cost to  (a) Mid Essex Primary Care Trust,  (b) North East Essex Primary Care Trust and  (c) West Essex Primary Care Trust of those trusts forming a cluster;
	(4)  when he received notification that the Mid Essex Primary Care Trust, the North East Essex Primary Care Trust and the West Essex Primary Care were forming a cluster.

Simon Burns: The Department was advised in September 2010 of the changes to the local management arrangements of these primary care trusts (PCTs).
	Under current legislation each PCT must have its own board and is legally responsible for carrying out its functions. However, it has a wide measure of discretion about its management arrangements. In particular it can employ such officers as it considers appropriate and can enter into arrangements to carry out its functions jointly with another PCT or arrange for another PCT to carry out its functions on its behalf.

Health Services: Essex

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many  (a) non-medical staff,  (b) administrators,  (c) managers and  (d) senior managers there will be in (i) the Mid Essex Primary Care Trust, (ii) the North East Essex Primary Care Trust and (iii) the West Essex Primary Care Trust in each of the next three years.

Simon Burns: The information requested is not collected centrally.
	The precise numbers of non-medical staff, administrators, managers and senior managers required over the next three years will not be known until the new organisations that will underpin the new system have been designed in more detail.
	The Department has consulted on how the new organisations should be designed and is analysing responses. Information on how the new organisations should be designed will be announced in due course.
	The Government have fulfilled their commitment to give the national health service a real terms increase in funding each year. The demands on the service are rising and to meet these, the NHS must make up to £20 billion of efficiency savings by 2014, by reducing bureaucracy and doing things differently. Every penny saved will be reinvested to support the delivery of quality health care.

Herbal Medicine

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the cost to the public purse of the provision of herbal medicines in NHS facilities in  (a) 2010,  (b) 2011,  (c) 2012,  (d) 2013 and  (e) 2014.

Anne Milton: The Department does not collect central information on the cost of herbal medicines within national health service facilities.
	It is for local health professionals and health care organisations to consider whether to provide and fund complementary and alternative therapies including herbal medicines. In taking such decisions they will wish to take account of issues including safety, clinical and cost-effectiveness and the availability of suitably qualified/regulated practitioners.

Hospitals: Coventry

Marcus Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the total running costs for the University hospital, Coventry was paid to the private finance initiative provider in each year from 2006 to 2009; and what percentage of the total is projected to be paid to that provider in  (a) 2010 and  (b) 2011.

Simon Burns: The information is not available in the format requested. However, data for the proportion of total revenue expenditure by University hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust in respect of its private finance initiative (PFI) scheme, is set out in the table.
	Figures for 2005-06 and 2006-07 are not comparable with later years as the PFI hospital did not fully open until part way through 2006-07.
	Data are not held centrally for 2010-11 or 2011-12.
	
		
			  University hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust-proportion of total revenue expenditure relating to PFI 
			   Percentage of total revenue expenditure relating to PFI 
			 2005-06 4.3 
			 2006-07 12.7 
			 2007-08 14.6 
			 2008-09 14.6 
			 2009-10(1) 14.3 
			 (1) 2009-10 accounts were compiled under International Finance Reporting Standards under which PFI costs in the audited summarisation schedules of Trusts are split between capital repayments and revenue expenditure elements, which does not make a precise like for like comparison with earlier years in this table possible. However, an estimate of the PFI unitary payment for 2009-10 is held centrally by the Department as well as the audited outturn revenue expenditure figure for the Trust for this year and the percentage figure for this year is calculated using these two figures.  Notes: 1. The source of the data is the audited summarisation schedules of the Trust for 2005-06 to 2009-10. 2. The percentages provided represent the net revenue expenditure in respect of PFI schemes as a proportion of total revenue expenditure. 3. 2005-06 to 2008-09 figures compiled under UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

Influenza: Vaccination

Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of those aged 65 and over have taken up the seasonal flu vaccine in the financial year 2010-11 to date.

Anne Milton: Latest provisional data suggest that 62.1% of those aged 65 years and older in England had received this season's influenza vaccine by 21 November 2010.
	A letter from the Director of Immunisation was sent to the national health service on 19 November 2010 to highlight the importance of achieving high uptake of seasonal influenza vaccine in eligible groups. This letter is available at the following link:
	www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Lettersandcirculars/Dearcolleagueletters/DH_121934
	and a copy has been placed in the Library.

Mental Health Services

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 9 September 2010,  Official Report, column 664W, on mental health services, whether he plans to commission a study into the level of confidence of general practitioners in the quality of secondary mental health services.

Paul Burstow: There are currently no plans for such a study.

NHS Commissioning Board

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether representatives of allied health professionals will have a permanent role on the NHS National Commissioning Board under the proposals in the Health White Paper.

Anne Milton: Effective general practitioner-led commissioning will require the full range of clinical and professional input alongside that of local people. Allied health professionals will all have a vital role to play, with a real opportunity to develop services and improve the health outcomes of their local populations. The NHS Commissioning Board will also need to have access to appropriate professional advice in carrying out its functions. The forthcoming health Bill will set out further details about the membership of the Board and the process for making appointments.

NHS Commissioning Board

Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the proposed NHS Commissioning Board will have regional offices.

Simon Burns: The NHS Commissioning Board will be free to take decisions about how best to discharge its responsibilities. The shadow Board will be considering options during 2011-12 as it prepares to take on its full responsibilities from April 2012.

NHS Herefordshire

Jesse Norman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library a copy of each letter of advice provided by KPMG to NHS Herefordshire and its predecessor organisation on the value for money of the private finance initiative contract for Hereford County Hospital.

Simon Burns: This information is not held centrally by the Department.

Podiatry: Training

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what mechanism he plans to put in place to ensure that adequate undergraduate training places for podiatrists are commissioned after the abolition of strategic health authorities; and who will be responsible for his commissioning process.

Anne Milton: There are no plans currently to change the national recruitment system for podiatrists.
	The Department will publish a consultation on proposals for education and training, based on the principles in the White Paper.
	The system should be driven by health care provider decisions underpinned by strong clinical leadership. It will be set within the context of delivering appropriate investment in work force education and training, while ensuring better outcomes for patients and value for money.
	The system needs to provide for appropriate checks, balances and accountability. The arrangements for commissioning and delivery will be transparent and more efficient.

Primary Care Trusts: Strategic Health Authorities.

Liz Kendall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the statutory responsibilities are of  (a) primary care trusts and  (b) strategic health authorities.

Simon Burns: I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave the hon. Member for Southport (Dr Pugh) on 18 October 2010,  Official Report, columns 580-81W.

Smoking: Deaths

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to reduce the number of early deaths from smoking-related diseases.

Anne Milton: Smoking is the biggest preventable cause of death in England, causing over 80,000 smoking-related deaths each year. Smoking rates have been in decline since the early 1970s. The Department will continue to take action to discourage young people from taking up smoking as well as encouraging those who smoke to quit. The Government set out their plans in the Public Health White Paper, which was laid before Parliament on 30 November.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Crime Prevention

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department with reference to the coalition agreement, what further steps she plans to take to prevent crime and apprehend criminals.

Nick Herbert: On 13 July 2010, we announced the Home Office Structural Reform Plan which sets out the implementation of the reforms outlined in the coalition agreement. The Home Office Structural Reform Plan sets out top five departmental priorities for crime prevention and reduction. These priorities are:
	enable the police and local communities to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour;
	increase the accountability of the police to citizens;
	secure our borders and control immigration;
	protect people's freedoms and civil liberties; and
	protect our citizens from terrorism.
	We will continue to shape and refocus our approach to crime prevention and reduction as we build on the commitments in the Structural Reform Plan. Further detail on the policies currently under development will be included in a new crime strategy that will be published in due course.

Cybercrime

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which 10  (a) countries and  (b) organisations pose the greatest threat to cyber-security in the UK in order of the level of threat posed; and if she will make a statement.

Nick Herbert: holding answer 23 November 2010
	 It would not be appropriate to provide detailed information about which organisations or countries are assessed as high cyber security risks to the UK. Such information could assist adversaries in identifying vulnerabilities and circumventing security controls, thereby exposing the UK to greater risk from attacks. The Security Service estimates that at least 20 foreign intelligence services are operating to some degree against UK interests. The low cost, global reach and largely anonymous nature of cyberspace makes it an attractive domain for use by people, organisations or states seeking to use it for malicious purposes. Perpetrators can include terrorist organisations, organised criminal groups, as well as those engaged in state-led espionage and warfare.

Demonstrations: Whitehall

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what reports she has received from the Metropolitan police service (MPS) on the estimated  (a) cost of damage caused and  (b) number of criminal offences committed in the course of the demonstration in London on 24 November 2010; how many arrests were made; how many people were stopped and searched in connection with the demonstration; what the cost to the MPS was of policing the demonstration; what the policy of the MPS is on recovering policing costs from organisers of demonstrations; what the cost of providing facilities to the demonstrators was; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  what the cost to the public purse was of providing  (a) toilet facilities,  (b) water and  (c) related services to demonstrators in Whitehall on 24 November 2010; who was responsible for bearing these costs; and if she will make a statement.

Nick Herbert: holding answer 29 November 2010
	The only information held by the Home Office relates to the number of arrests. The latest figure provided by the Metropolitan police service is that as of 26 November there have been 41 arrests.

Departmental Pay

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how much has been paid to officials in her Department and its non-departmental public bodies in bonuses and other payments in addition to salary in each year since 1997; how many officials received such payments; and what the monetary value was of the largest 20 payments made in each such year;
	(2)  what allowances and payments in addition to salary were available to officials in her Department and its non-departmental public bodies in each year since 1997; and what the monetary value was of payments and allowances of each type in each such year.

Nick Herbert: Information on non-consolidated performance payments, used to help drive performance, can only be provided for the last five years. Information on allowances can only be provided for the last four years. The provision of accurate and consistent data before then is either not available, or could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	The information is as follows:
	
		
			  Home Office HQ, UKBA, IPS and CRB 
			  Table 1-Non-consolidated performance payments 
			  Financial year  Total value of payments (£)  Number of staff receiving payments  Total number of staff eligible to receive payment( 1) 
			 2009-10 7,587,957 10,391 26,240 
			 2008-09 6,634,422 10,244 23,029 
			 2007-08 5,912,622 9,658 25,895 
			 2006-07 5,692,142 8,882 25,802 
			 2005-06 5,191,812 8,143 26,661 
			 (1) Source-ONS  Source: Internal databases 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2-Largest 20 non-consolidated performance payments 
			  £ 
			  Payment  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2009-10 
			 1 15,000 22,000 27,000 15,000 28,000 
			 2 15,000 22,000 22,000 15,000 25,000 
			 3 15,000 20,000 20,000 15,000 19,000 
			 4 15,000 20,000 20,000 12,500 10,000 
			 5 15,000 17,000 18,000 12,500 10,000 
			 6 15,000 17,000 17,500 12,500 10,000 
			 7 15,000 17,000 17,500 12,500 10,000 
			 8 15,000 17,000 17,000 12,500 10,000 
			 9 15,000 17,000 17,000 12,500 10,000 
			 10 11,157 17,000 17,000 12,500 10,000 
			 11 10,000 17,000 17,000 12,500 10,000 
			 12 10,000 17,000 17,000 12,500 10,000 
			 13 10,000 16,000 17,000 12,500 10,000 
			 14 10,000 16,000 17,000 12,500 10,000 
			 15 10,000 16,000 17,000 12,500 10,000 
			 16 10,000 16,000 17,000 12,500 10,000 
			 17 10,000 16,000 16,000 11,000 10,000 
			 18 10,000 16,000 16,000 10,000 10,000 
			 19 10,000 16,000 16,000 10,000 10,000 
			 20 10,000 16,000 16,000 10,000 10,000 
			  Source: Internal databases 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 3-Allowances in addition to salary 
			  Financial year  Allowances in addition to salary (£) 
			 2009-10 3,975,377 
			 2008-09 4,576,130 
			 2007-08 5,487,235 
			 2006-07 5,877,310 
			  Source: Internal databases 
		
	
	
		
			  Home Office NDPBs 
			  Table 1-Non-consolidated performance payments 
			  Financial year  Total value of payments (£)  Number of staff receiving  Total number of staff eligible to receive payment( 1) 
			 2009-10 884,523 883 5,777 
			 2008-09 559,731 361 5,651 
			 2007-08 405,243 422 5,010 
			 2006-07 314,263 338 4,049 
			 2005-06 78,405 140 190 
			 (1) Source-ONS  Source: Internal databases 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2-Largest 20 non-consolidated performance payments 
			  £ 
			  Payment  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2009-10 
			 1 10,000 10,000 25,000 20,000 16,793 
			 2 10,000 10,000 15,000 17,000 16,350 
			 3 7,500 10,000 15,000 17,000 12,500 
			 4 6,000 10,000 13,978 17,000 10,000 
			 5 5,960 6,500 12,000 17,000 10,000 
			 6 5,000 6,500 12,000 11,000 10,000 
			 7 3,000 6,500 8,706 10,000 10,000 
			 8 3,000 3,750 8,000 9,026 10,000 
			 9 3,000 3,282 8,000 9,026 10,000 
			 10 3,000 3,183 8,000 9,026 10,000 
			 11 2,500 3,070 7,156 8,500 10,000 
			 12 2,121 3,000 5,322 8,495 10,000 
			 13 1,881 2,802 5,000 8,495 10,000 
			 14 1,500 2,763 5,000 8,495 10,000 
			 15 1,500 2,732 5,000 8,495 10,000 
			 16 1,500 2,500 5,000 8,000 10,000 
			 17 1,000 2,430 5,000 6,000 10,000 
			 18 1,000 1,978 5,000 6,000 10,000 
			 19 1,000 1,976 5,000 6,000 10,000 
			 20 1,000 1,737 5,000 6,000 8,250 
			  Source: Internal databases 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 3-Allowances in addition to salary 
			  Financial year  Allowances in addition to salary (£) 
			 2009-10 1,018,864 
			 2008-09 1,278,547 
			 2007-08 1,716,457 
			 2006-07 5,818,537 
			  Source: Internal databases 
		
	
	There are two separate sets of these three tables-one set for Home Office/UK Border Agency (UKBA) and agencies, and a second set for Home Office non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs).
	Allowances comprise skills and recruitment and retention allowances.
	The figures exclude locational allowances, and temporary payments, such as those paid to staff for fulfilling temporary duties. They also exclude expenses, for example the reimbursement of costs actually and necessarily incurred in the course of official business.
	Since 1997 there have been a number of machinery of government (MoG) changes which have involved the creation and dissolution of agencies and NDPBs. The National Offender Management Service transferred under a MoG change to the Ministry of Justice's payroll in 2008, so is not included in the Home Office figures after that date. Two NDPBs have been created since April 2005: the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) in April 2006, and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) in March 2008. The Home Office currently has nine agencies and NDPBs. Information provided by these bodies has been included in this answer.
	For staff below senior civil service level, agencies and NDPBs except for UKBA, have pay delegation from the Home Office under which they are free to implement pay systems that meet their particular business needs.

Domestic Violence Protection Orders

Edward Balls: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she plans to announce her policy on the piloting of Domestic Violence Protection Orders.

Theresa May: holding answer 16 November 2010
	On 25 November, I announced the intention to pilot domestic violence protection orders which will help domestic violence victims break the cycle of abuse. The orders are part of the cross-Government vision to tackle violence against women and girls and will be piloted in three police force areas-Greater Manchester, West Mercia and Wiltshire. They will commence in summer 2011 and will run for 12 months.

Drug Seizures

Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many seizures of illegal drugs there have been at ports in  (a) Liverpool and  (b) the North West in the last six years.

James Brokenshire: The information requested on drug seizures is not collected centrally.
	The drug seizures collection held by the Home Office covers seizures by each police force and the UK Border Agency and cannot separately identify seizures made at ports.

EU Law

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many EU directives are pending transposition into domestic legislation by her Department; and what estimate she has made of the cost of each such transposition.

James Brokenshire: The Home Office has one EU directive pending transposition into domestic legislation: Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. We are currently considering the most cost-effective ways of transposing this directive.

Human Trafficking

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of current initiatives to reduce the incidence of human trafficking.

Damian Green: holding answer 29 November 2010
	The effectiveness of the UK's approach to combat human trafficking forms part of the current discussions within the Home Office in order to publish a new strategy by spring 2011 on tackling this crime.

Human Trafficking

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what training police forces receive to equip them to investigate cases of human trafficking; and if she will make a statement.

Damian Green: holding answer 29 November 2010
	The sustainable and effective approach to combating human trafficking is through ensuring that it is part of core police business for every police force in the country.
	In support of this work the UK Human Trafficking Centre in conjunction with the National Policing Improvement Agency has in place a programme of work to:
	embed basic training in human trafficking into mainstream training for student officers and police community support officers;
	evaluate and mainstream the Senior Investigating Officers courses;
	review and embed human trafficking training into the initial detective training courses; and
	include human trafficking in domestic violence, public protection and roads policing programmes.
	In addition to this, the UK Human Trafficking Centre provides tactical advice to all forces through its helpline.

Human Trafficking

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether her Department plans to initiate a further Pentameter human trafficking investigation.

Damian Green: holding answer 29 November 2010
	This is an operational matter for the police and Serious Organised Crime Agency, and will be determined by operational priorities.

Human Trafficking: Children

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she has made an assessment of the potential of Operation Newbridge in West Sussex to inform protocols for protecting children suspected of being trafficked in other areas.

Damian Green: holding answer 29 November 2010
	The Government are committed to safeguarding trafficked children. The experience of initiatives such as Operation Newbridge is being considered as part of the development of a new strategy on human trafficking, due to be launched in the new year. Part of the Government's intention is to capture good practice and use it to inform the new strategy.

Illegal Immigrants

Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many illegal immigrants who are in prison were convicted of offences related to a breach of immigration law.

Damian Green: The latest information published by the Ministry for Justice shows that on 30 September 2010, there were 11,062 foreign nationals in prison. This includes those held under the Immigration Act 1971 (including those in the removal centres of Dover, Haslar and Lindholme) as well as those held on remand or serving custodial sentences.
	In order to confirm how many of those are in the UK illegally would require cross referencing individual records between the National Offender Management Service and the UK Border Agency, which would incur a disproportionate cost.
	However, I can advise that a proportion of the foreign nationals in prison have a right to be in the UK either as an EEA national or through a form of leave such as indefinite leave to remain or having been granted asylum. The UK Border Agency will seek to revoke leave in order remove individuals who meet the criteria for deportation.
	Additionally, the data held centrally on prisoners' offences are not sufficiently detailed to identify those serving sentences for breaches of immigration law.

Immigration

Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the statement of 23 November 2010,  Official Report, columns 169-71, whether those refused  (a) student,  (b) marriage and  (c) family visas will have the right of appeal under her immigration proposals.

Damian Green: Rights of appeal are not affected by the immigration proposals announced on 23 November 2010.

Immigration and Nationality Directorate: Travel

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many members of her Department's Immigration and Nationality Directorate have used  (a) first class rail travel and  (b) air travel at fares other than the cheapest available in an official capacity in each of the last five years; how many used hotel accommodation in an official capacity in each such year; and what the cost to her Department was of expenditure in each category in each such year.

Nick Herbert: The information requested is not currently held centrally and can be obtained only at disproportionate costs.

Immigration Controls

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she has made an assessment of the merits of commissioning more frequent reviews by the Migration Advisory Committee of the proposed operation of the immigration cap.

Damian Green: The Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May) announced on 23 November 2010,  Official Report, columns 169-186, that she will ask the Migration Advisory Committee to review the limit next year in order to set new arrangements for 2012-13.

Immigration Controls: Multinational Companies

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what estimate she has made of the likely effects on the levels of  (a) growth,  (b) output and  (c) overseas direct investment of the restriction of intra-company transfers of more than 12 months to those in receipt of salaries of £40,000 per annum or more;
	(2)  what estimate she has made of the effects on the levels of  (a) skills,  (b) knowledge transfer and  (c) overseas direct investment of the restriction of intra-company transfers of more than 12 months to those in receipt of salaries of £40,000 per annum or more;
	(3)  what estimate she has made of the likely effects on the levels of  (a) growth,  (b) output and  (c) overseas direct investment of the annual cap on inward migration;
	(4)  what estimate she has made of the likely effects on the levels of  (a) skills,  (b) knowledge transfer and  (c) overseas direct investment of the introduction of an annual cap on inward migration.

Damian Green: The Government will publish an impact assessment on the changes we are making to economic migration routes.

Immigration: Recruitment

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what mechanisms will be in place to ensure that companies are not inhibited by the proposed annual immigration cap from recruiting talent or transferring their staff from abroad.

Damian Green: I refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by the Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May) to the House on 23 November 2010,  Official Report, columns 169-186, in particular the arrangements to give priority to the tier 2 route for skilled migrants with job offers, and the arrangements for intra-company transfers.

Intercept Modernisation Programme

Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the oral answer from the Prime Minister of 27 October 2010,  Official Report, column 310, on intercept modernisation, whether the Government plan to  (a) establish a decentralised database to store communications data akin to that proposed to be collected under the intercept modernisation programme and  (b) require internet service providers or other organisations to store additional communications data; and if she will make a statement.

Nick Herbert: holding answer 1 November 2010
	As made clear in the strategic defence and security review, the Government will preserve the ability of the law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies to obtain communications data and intercept communications within the appropriate legal framework. Details of proposals including plans will be presented to Parliament in due course.

Law Enforcement Agencies

Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her policy is on the future of the security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies' ability to  (a) obtain communication data and  (b) intercept communications.

Nick Herbert: holding answer 25 October 2010
	As made clear in the strategic defence and security review, the Government will preserve the ability of the law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies to obtain communications data and to intercept communications within the appropriate legal framework. Details of proposals including plans for legislation will be presented to Parliament in due course.

Marriage of Convenience

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many sham marriages have been identified in each of the last five years.

Damian Green: The UK Border Agency does not hold records of the number of sham marriages identified
	Civil registrars have a duty under section 24 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1999 to report to the UK Border Agency prospective marriages or civil partnerships which they have reasonable grounds for suspecting may be being contracted for the purposes of circumventing immigration control. The UK Border Agency does hold data on the number of section 24 reports of suspicious marriages made by civil registrars, although these are allegations and not proof of a sham marriage.
	Section 24 reports do not cover marriages taking place in the Anglican Church in England and Wales, where the clergy are not under the same legal obligation, or those identified by UK Border Agency case workers.
	The number of section 24 reports in the last five years is as follows:
	
		
			   Number 
			 2005 3,578 
			 2006 452 
			 2007 384 
			 2008 344 
			 2009 561 
		
	
	To the end of September, 665 reports have been received in 2010. This increase reflects the raised awareness among registrars of the work to tackle the problem rather than a rise in the number of sham marriages.

Marriage of Convenience

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate she has made of the likely effect of the implementation of her proposed requirement for marriage visa applications to demonstrate a minimum comprehension of English on the number of sham marriages.

Damian Green: No assessment has been made of the likely effect on sham marriages of the new English language requirement for spouses and partners.
	The new English requirement for spouses and partners is intended to promote the economic well-being of the UK, for example by encouraging integration and protecting public services. While we would welcome any deterrent effect on abuse of the immigration system that may come from any tightening of the marriage rules; tackling sham marriages is not the objective of the new requirement.

Migration

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what means her Department plans to end the link between temporary and permanent migration; and what timetable she has set for the implementation of her proposals to end that link.

Damian Green: I am considering this question, on which I shall consult in due course.
	In the meantime I shall introduce an interim package of changes which will tighten the current settlement criteria. This will take effect from April 2011, with any necessary transitional measures.
	There will be a new criminality threshold, requiring all applicants to be clear of unspent convictions when they apply for settlement.
	Economic migrants applying for settlement will need to meet the salary criteria that applied when they last extended their permission to stay.
	If an applicant fails to pass the minimum English language requirement, their application for settlement will be refused.
	We will remove the ability for new entrants into the Intra Company Transfer route to extend their leave beyond five years.

Migration: Scotland

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she plans to announce her policy on migration post-study; and whether her Department has made an assessment of the merits of providing an exemption for the Fresh Talent programme in Scotland.

Damian Green: As the Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May) announced in her statement to Parliament of 23 November 2010,  Official Report, columns 169-186, the Government will shortly launch a public consultation on proposed changes to the student visa arrangements. The consultation will seek views on the future of the Tier 1 Post Study Work category, the current scheme that allows international students who have achieved certain qualifications to stay in the UK and work for up to two years after they have completed their studies.
	There has been no assessment of the merits of providing an exemption for the Fresh Talent Programme in Scotland. However, should any representations be made about this during the consultation, they will be considered in the light of other responses received.

Misuse of Drugs

Bob Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  whether she plans to review the remit of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs in formulating her Department's 2010 drugs strategy;
	(2)  what information her Department evaluated for benchmarking purposes on drugs policy in other countries during the consultation for her Department's 2010 drugs strategy;
	(3)  whether she plans to review the drugs classification system as part of the development of her Department's 2010 drugs strategy;
	(4)  whether the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs has made any recommendations for changes to the drugs classifications system as part of the 2010 drugs strategy.

James Brokenshire: holding answer 18 November 2010
	The Government have no intention of reviewing the remit of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). The processes and function of the ACMD are currently being reviewed by Sir David Omand in line with Cabinet Office guidelines. The purpose of the review is to consider whether the ACMD is discharging its function that it was set up to deliver within the existing legislation. Sir David Omand's review is expected to conclude early in 2011.
	The ACMD has provided successive governments with advice that has informed and shaped the UK's drug policy over the last four decades and continues to provide high quality, independent and expert advice that challenges Government in this complex area of public policy.
	The Home Office has been working closely with other Government Departments to develop and publish a new drug strategy in December 2010. During the six-week drug strategy consultation period a number of responses were received from UK embassies and commissions overseas, details of which will be included in a short consultation summary document for publication in December 2010.
	No formal assessment has been made of EU or wider international drugs policy in connection with the drafting of the new strategy, due to the inherent differences between the UK and other countries in terms of criminal justice systems, legislation and patterns of drug use. However we have drawn on the experiences of our EU and international contacts to develop the most appropriate response to UK drugs issues.
	The Government also work closely with the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) to supply information for the creation of the EMCDDA annual report on the state of the drugs problem in Europe. This report benchmarks European countries on a range of drug related indicators and is used to inform the ongoing development of UK drug policy.
	The Government have no intention of reviewing the drug classification system established by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The criminal justice system expects-and the Government must provide-a stable and enduring system. It continues to serve this purpose.
	The ACMD did not make any recommendations for changes to the drugs classification system and has published its response to the Drug Strategy Consultation (2010) on its website. It is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs/acmd/

Muslim Brotherhood

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations she has received on the activities of the London office of the Muslim Brotherhood; and if she will make a statement.

Nick Herbert: The Secretary of State for the Home Department has received no recent representations on the activities of the London office of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Muslim Brotherhood

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent reports she has received on the activities of the London offices of the Muslim Brotherhood; and if she will make a statement.

Nick Herbert: The Secretary of State for the Home Department has not received any recent reports on the activities of the London offices of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Police Community Support Officers: Finance

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she plans to continue to ring-fence the budget which funds police community support officers; and if she will make a statement.

Nick Herbert: holding answer 29 November 2010
	Details on specific grants, including the Neighbourhood Policing Fund which funds police community support officers, will be announced in early December when the provisional police settlements will be placed before the House of Commons.

Police Community Support Officers: Leicester

Liz Kendall: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police community support officers there are in  (a) Leicestershire,  (b) Leicester and  (c) Leicester West constituency.

Nick Herbert: Constituency level data are not collected centrally. However the latest available data are provided in the following table which shows police community support officer strength for Leicestershire by basic command unit, as at 31 March 2010.
	
		
			  Police community support officer strength by  basic command unit , 31 March 2010( 1) 
			  Full-time equivalents 
			  Police force  BCU  Police community support officers 
			 Leicestershire Leicestershire City 98 
			  North Leicestershire 67 
			  South Leicestershire 59 
			  Central Services 9 
			 Total  233 
			 (1) These figures are based on full-time equivalents that have been rounded to the nearest whole number. Figures include those officers on career breaks and maternity/paternity leave.

Police: Crime

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many and what proportion of  (a) police community support officers and  (b) police officers in (i) the Metropolitan Police Service and (ii) Cambridgeshire Constabulary have been convicted of a criminal offence in each of the last three years.

Nick Herbert: holding answer 25 November 2010
	The Home Office does not collect the information requested.

Police: Demonstrations

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 17 November 2010,  Official Report, columns 814-5W, on police: demonstrations, what further information she has received on  (a) the number of (i) arrests and (ii) prosecutions as a result of the demonstration,  (b) the estimated cost of the damage caused by the demonstration and  (c) the cost of policing the demonstration.

Nick Herbert: As of 26 November, 67 people have been arrested, the majority for offences of public order, aggravated trespass and criminal damage. The Home Office does not hold information on the number of prosecutions, the cost of the damage caused, or policing costs.

Police: Manpower

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers  (a) were employed on the latest date for which figures are available and  (b) she expects to be employed in May 2015.

Nick Herbert: The latest available data show that there were 143,734 full-time equivalent (FTE) police officers in the 43 police forces of England and Wales as at 31 March 2010.
	Decisions about the number of police officers are a matter for individual chief constables and their police authorities. The Government cannot provide an estimate of officer numbers in May 2015.

Police: Mental Illness

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 11 October 2010,  Official Report, column 209W, on police: mental illness, whether her Department plans to undertake an assessment of the effectiveness of its new learning resource entitled Mental Health and Learning Disability in improving the service provided by the police to people with mental health disorders after its publication.

Nick Herbert: holding answer 29 November 2010
	It is the intention of the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) to assess the effectiveness of the new learning resource through its evaluation strategy.
	The evaluation strategy seeks to identify the achievement of the organisational benefits of existing Association of Chief Police Officers guidance about the approach the police service takes to people with mental ill health. The evaluation also considers the effectiveness of the implementation support plan developed alongside this resource, as well as the mental ill health learning resource itself.

Union of Good

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what recent representations she has received on the operation of Union of Good in the UK;
	(2)  what recent representations she has received on alleged financial and political links between Union of Good and  (a) Interpal and  (b) Islamic Relief Worldwide;
	(3)  what recent representations she has received on alleged financial and political links between Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades and  (a) Union of Good,  (b) Islamic National Bank and  (c) al-Aqsa Television.

Nick Herbert: The Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May) has not received any recent representations regarding alleged financial and political links between:
	Union of Good and Interpal or Islamic Relief Worldwide; or
	between Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades and Union of Good, Islamic National Bank or al-Aqsa Television.
	I can also confirm that the Home Secretary has not received any recent representations on the operation of Union of Good in the UK.
	My noble Friend, the Minister of State for Security and Counter Terrorism (Baroness Neville-Jones) has received representations from Interpal and Union of Good which are being followed up.

Visas: Scotland

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions she has had with universities in Scotland on proposed changes to student visa arrangements.

Damian Green: As the Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May) announced in her statement to Parliament of 23 November 2010,  Official Report, columns 169-186, the Government will shortly launch a public consultation on proposed changes to the student visa arrangements. There have not yet been any formal discussions on the proposals with universities or other individual institutions in Scotland or elsewhere in the UK, but there will be opportunity for discussion during the consultation period.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Arts Council England: Dartford

Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much Arts Council England spent on projects in Dartford constituency in each of the last 5 years.

Edward Vaizey: The information requested is not held by the Department and relates to matters that are the responsibility of Arts Council England.
	Accordingly, I have asked the chief executive of Arts Council England to write direct to my hon. Friend.
	Copies of the reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Arts: Bristol City Council

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the likely effect of reductions in local authority funding on arts organisations in the Bristol city council area.

Edward Vaizey: It is central Government's role to empower local communities and local authorities to make the decisions that they feel are most appropriate for their area. The Department will continue to fund the arts through Arts Council England, who provide support to a number of regularly funded organisations across the country.

Arts: Finance

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the level of awareness among the public of the availability to them of arts funding grants; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Vaizey: The Department has made no formal assessment of public awareness of available arts funding grants. However, there is a funding guide available on our website:
	http://www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/arts/3208.aspx
	Arts Council England also publicise the funding routes on their website and recently published 'Achieving great art for everyone':
	http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/about-us/a-strategic-framework-for-the-arts/

Arts: Greater London

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent assessment he has made of the effect on arts organisations based in the London borough of Hillingdon of local authority funding reductions.

Edward Vaizey: It is central Government's role to empower local communities and local authorities to make the decisions that they feel are most appropriate for their area. The Department will continue to fund the arts through Arts Council England, who provide support to a number of regularly funded organisations across the country.

Arts: Leeds City Council

George Mudie: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent assessment he has made of the effect on arts organisations based in Leeds City Council of local authority funding reductions.

Edward Vaizey: It is central Government's role to empower local communities and local authorities to make the decisions that they feel are most appropriate for their area. The Department will continue to fund the arts through Arts Council England, who provide support to a number of regularly funded organisations across the country.

Arts: London Borough of Redbridge

Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent assessment he has made of the effect on arts organisations based in the London borough of Redbridge of local authority funding reductions.

Edward Vaizey: It is central Government's role to empower local communities and local authorities to make the decisions that they feel are most appropriate for their area. The Department will continue to fund the arts through Arts Council England, who provide support to a number of regularly funded organisations across the country.

Arts: Luton Borough Council

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will assess the effects of reductions in funding for local authorities on arts organisations in Luton borough council area.

Edward Vaizey: It is central Government's role to empower local communities and local authorities to make the decisions that they feel are most appropriate for their area. The Department will continue to fund the arts through Arts Council England, who provide support to a number of regularly funded organisations across the country.

Arts: West Midlands

Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether his Department has undertaken an impact assessment of the economic effects on the arts sector in the West Midlands of the proposed reduction in funding for organisations regularly funded by the Arts Council over the period of the comprehensive spending review.

Edward Vaizey: As part of the spending review, the Department will be reducing its own administrative budget by 50% and has asked a number of its arm's length bodies to do the same. At a difficult time our aim has been to ensure that the maximum amount of funding is spent at the front line, rather than on bureaucracy. We had regular discussions with those arm's length bodies during the spending review and those discussions continue. We are confident that in cutting administration in order to limit cuts to the front line, arts organisations across the country, including those in the West Midlands, will continue to thrive.

BBC

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what criteria will be used to determine the shortlist for the appointment of the new Chairman of the BBC Trust; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Vaizey: All applications for the position of Chair of the BBC Trust will be considered against the following criteria:
	excellent leadership skills, and ability to chair effectively at senior board level;
	excellent representational skills, and past experience of independent decision-making and public discussion of decisions taken;
	commitment to the independence and the objectives of the BBC-stated as the six Public Purposes in the Charter;
	a commitment to effective financial stewardship and ability to ensure value for money is achieved;
	understanding of the key challenges facing public service broadcasting and the wider media industry in the UK;
	an understanding of the role of the BBC Trust and a commitment to continuous improvement in the governance of the BBC including its relationship with the Executive Board;
	a commitment to accountability and representation of licence fee payers' interests, within the current Charter arrangements;
	ability to lead strategy and decision making across the range of the Trust's responsibilities;
	understanding of the BBC's impact on the commercial media sector;
	excellent communication skills, and the ability to represent the Trust with confidence to Government, the media and a wide range of stakeholder groups, including viewers and listeners at public events;
	commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.

Digital Economy Act 2010

Louise Bagshawe: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment has been made of the impact of the judicial review of Ministerial decisions on the Digital Economy Act 2010.

Jeremy Hunt: British Telecom and Talk Talk have been granted permission to proceed with a judicial review of the case against the online copyright infringement provisions of the Digital Economy Act 2010 (DEA).
	The date for the hearing has not yet been confirmed by the court. In the meantime, work on implementing the DEA is continuing as planned and Ofcom will shortly be publishing the draft initial obligations code.

EU Law

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many EU directives are pending transposition into domestic legislation by his Department; and what estimate he has made of the cost of each such transposition.

John Penrose: At present the Department does not have any EU directives pending transposition into domestic legislation.

Members: Correspondence

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when his Department plans to respond to the letters from the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay of  (a) 16 September and  (b) 20 October 2010 regarding a constituent, Mr Rowland.

John Penrose: There is no record of a letter dated 16 September ever being received by the Department. However a response to the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay's letter of 20 October was sent by email on 25 October. A copy of this response will be sent to him at the House by post for information.

Museums

Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent representations he has received on his decision to end his Department's funding for non-national museums, including the People's History Museum.

Edward Vaizey: This Department is currently in discussions with all the non-national museums about this decision. The Department is not ending funding to its non-national museums; these have been allocated funding in the next spending period to 2014-15. The coalition are committed to improving transparency and efficiency by dispersing the power held by central Government and the Department believes that they will be more effectively sponsored away from central Government.

Music

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what plans he has to reduce the  (a) regulatory and  (b) administrative burden on organisers of live music performances.

John Penrose: We are currently considering how to deliver the coalition commitment to cut red tape and encourage the performance of more live music, while ensuring that there is appropriate protection for local communities.
	We will continue to have discussions with representatives from the music industry, the Local Government Association and others so that we can find the best possible solution.

Music: Licensing

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what plans he has for the future of arrangements for music licences in respect of public performances.

John Penrose: We are currently considering how to deliver the coalition commitment to cut red tape and encourage the performance of more live music, while ensuring that there is appropriate protection for local communities.
	We will continue to have discussions with representatives from the music industry, the Local Government Association and others so that we can find the best possible solution.

National Lottery: Arts

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much lottery funding for the arts was awarded in  (a) the West Midlands and  (b) England in the last five years.

John Penrose: The amount of lottery funding awarded to the arts in the west midlands and England over the last five years can be found on the Department's searchable database at:
	http://www.lottery.culture.gov.uk/Search.aspx
	This database uses information on lottery grants supplied by the lottery distributors.

Regional Development Agencies: North East

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 6 September 2010,  Official Report, column 333W, on regional development agencies: North East region, what mechanisms he has put in place to ensure that the interests of the tourism industry are represented; and what mechanisms he plans to put in place to ensure that assistance to businesses in the tourism sector is maintained during the transition from regional development agencies to local enterprise partnerships.

John Penrose: The Government will place a strong emphasis on leadership by local tourism interests, in particular, local tourism businesses, as set out in the White Paper, 'Local Growth: realising every place's potential', presented to Parliament on 28 October 2010.
	Further details of the Government's position will be made available in a forthcoming tourism strategy paper, currently scheduled for release in early 2011.
	VisitEngland have set up a transition team, working with the regional development agencies (RDAs) on maintaining tourism support.
	Following the announcement of the first 24 Local Enterprise Partnerships, DCMS and VisitEngland have also begun work with the LEPs on transitional issues and on their individual tourism plans.

Royal Parks: Maintenance

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent assessment he has made of the backlog of maintenance works in the Royal Parks.

John Penrose: holding answer 29 November 2010
	The chief executive has operational responsibility for maintenance of the fabric of the Royal Parks (TRP). Following a review, in 2004, he advised the Secretary of State that the estimated backlog was £64.5 million, which was reduced to £51.2 million by 2008-09. In 2009 TRP undertook a new comprehensive review of the backlog, which added new items. The re-based figure is £56 million.

Sports: Greater London

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps his Department is taking to increase adult participation in sport in the London Borough of Bexley.

Hugh Robertson: Sport England is the arm's length body with responsibility for community sport. Their aim is to increase and sustain levels of participation in sport and develop talent to drive standards of elite performance throughout the country. Their funding is distributed as part of the commitment to get one million more people playing more sport by 2012.
	National governing bodies of sport (NGBs) are responsible for the strategy, delivering through their networks of community clubs, coaches and volunteers. Sport England is investing £480 million through 46 governing bodies over the next four years and has agreed 'grow', 'sustain' and 'excel' targets with each one. Each sport has developed a whole sport plan to achieve these targets.
	In addition to the current funding being invested through NGBs, Sport England has invested a total of £3,114,049 into Bexley since 2006. This includes a recent investment of £1.24 million via the Sustainable Facilities Fund to the Europa Gymnastics Centre, the site which will be the new home of the Europa Gymnastics Club, which will also act as an Olympic and Paralympic training venue for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

House of Commons: Size

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what criteria he used to determine his policy on the future size of the House of Commons.

Mark Harper: Ultimately the size of the Commons is a matter of judgment. Ministers decided that a modest reduction to 600 seats would be appropriate, mindful that hon. Members must be able to serve their constituents. Around a third of existing constituencies are within the approximate range that will be required in future.

Digital Inclusion

Alun Michael: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister to what extent consideration of digital inclusion will form part of his constitutional reform programme.

Mark Harper: Where any element of the constitutional reform programme involves use of online services-such as electoral registration-we will ensure that no one is excluded from democratic participation by being offline.

Electoral Register

Graham Evans: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what recent assessment he has made of the accuracy of the electoral register.

Mark Harper: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today.

Individual Voter Registration

Dave Watts: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what progress has been made on speeding up the implementation of individual voter registration.

Mark Harper: On 15 September 2010,  Official Report, columns 883-885, I announced to the House that we plan to speed up the implementation of individual electoral registration so that it comes into force in 2014 as opposed to after the next general election as the previous Government proposed.

Lobbyists

Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what progress he has made on his plans to introduce a statutory register for lobbyists.

Mark Harper: The Government intend to run a broad consultation on the introduction of a statutory register of lobbyists in the coming months with a view to introducing legislation in the next Session.

Alternative Vote: Referendums

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether the ballots for the proposed referendum on the alternative vote and the elections to the Scottish Parliament in 2010 will be on separate ballot papers.

Mark Harper: The ballots for the proposed referendum on the voting system and the elections to the Scottish Parliament in 2011 will be on separate ballot papers.

Departmental Written Questions

Paul Beresford: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  how many and what proportion of questions tabled to him for written answer on a named day were answered substantively before or on the day named for answer since May 2010; how many such questions tabled between May 2010 and 12 November 2010 had not received a substantive answer by 18 November 2010; and what estimate he has made of the average cost to his Office of answering a question for written answer on a named day on the day named for answer in the latest period for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many and what proportion of questions tabled to him for ordinary written answer since May 2010 were answered within  (a) seven days and  (b) 14 days of tabling; how many such questions tabled between May 2010 and 12 November 2010 remained unanswered by 18 November 2010; and what estimate he has made of the average cost to his Office of answering a question for ordinary written answer within seven days of tabling in the latest period for which figures are available.

Mark Harper: This Session, in the period specified the Deputy Prime Minister has received 241 ordinary written questions. In respect of those questions 215 (89%) were answered within five sitting days; 26 (11%) were answered after five sitting days and none remain unanswered.
	In the same period the Deputy Prime Minister received 54 named day questions. In respect of those questions 47 (87%) were answered on the specified date, six (13%) were answered after the specified date and one question remains unanswered.
	The Government have committed to providing the Procedure Committee with sessional statistics in a standard format on the time taken to respond to written parliamentary questions for the 2009-10 Session. This information will be submitted to the Procedure Committee shortly.
	The Cabinet Office does not hold data relating to the cost of parliamentary questions. However HM Treasury conducts an annual indexation exercise of the cost of written and oral parliamentary questions so as to ensure that these average costs are increased in line with increases in underlying costs. The estimated costs that have applied from 20 January 2010 are:
	Written question: £154
	Oral question: £425
	The disproportionate cost threshold (DCT), the level above which Departments can refuse to answer a written PQ is £800.
	The Treasury, in making its assessment of the cost of answering questions, does not differentiate between the types of written questions.

Voting Systems

Sarah Newton: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what recent representations he has received on the registration of voters with second homes.

Mark Harper: Since May, Ministers have had one meeting on the subject at the request of an MP. The Cabinet Office has also received correspondence on the subject. However, correspondence is not recorded in such a way that would enable us to readily identify the number of representations received on the specific issue of second home voters. To do so would incur disproportionate costs.

CABINET OFFICE

Corruption: EU Law

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer of 17 November 2010,  Official Report, column 846W, on corruption: EU law, whether the Government maintains a record of those operators that have been convicted of the offence of bribery.

Francis Maude: The Government do not maintain a record of those operators that have been convicted of the offence of bribery. The Criminal Records Bureau maintains a record of all convictions given over the life of an individual. Disclosure Scotland maintains a record of individuals with unspent convictions. There is no equivalent centralised record for corporate convictions.

Electronic Government

Tony Baldry: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans he has to provide that certain Government services are only available online; and what timetable he has set for such provision.

Francis Maude: The Government have set out a clear ambition that digital will increasingly be the primary channel for delivery of public information and transactional services. This is part of our overall plan to inject more choice, control and personalisation into public services.
	Our aim is for Government services to be digital by default, making online the preferred channel for Government services. This marks a decisive move away from a neutral 'multi-channel' approach to one where we actively encourage people to switch to digital channels and put compelling incentives in place to support this, with digital technology driving better services and lower costs.
	However, no one will be excluded from services because they cannot use or access the internet. Assisted digital support will be provided so that, although there is a strong expectation that those that are able to will use digital channels, those who cannot will always be able to access services.
	A first wave of services have been announced which will move towards digital as their primary channel with timetables established for each service as follows:
	On Student Finance for Higher Education in England, there will be an expectation from 2011 that initial applications by students are made online. Paper forms will no longer be printed or available to readily download from Directgov.
	For jobseeker's allowance, Jobcentre Plus will introduce a strong expectation that new jobseekers allowance applicants should apply online-with the aim that 80% of claims will be made online by 2013.
	For businesses, Companies House plan to mandate digital only filing of the vast majority of filing services including incorporation, accounts and annual returns by 2013, subject to a full impact assessment and the timely passage of the necessary secondary legislation.
	HMRC are putting together a package of measures that will make it easier and quicker for businesses to deal with the tax authorities using online services as the norm. For example, from August 2012 the online channel will be the mandatory way to register for VAT, with other channels being closed or consolidated, and from 2013 it will become mandatory for business customers to tell us online when they start their business activity for the purposes of self-assessment and corporation tax.

Public Sector: Procurement

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office whether his Department plans to reform procurement rules to facilitate the delivery of public services by  (a) charities,  (b) social enterprises,  (c) small businesses and  (d) other non-governmental bodies.

Francis Maude: The Public Contracts Regulations 2006 do not themselves prevent different supplier types from delivering public services. However, the Government are in the process of reforming Government procurement practices and procedures in a way that will facilitate the delivery of public services by a wide range of providers, including charities, social enterprises, small businesses, other non-governmental bodies, and by existing public servants independently of existing departmental structures.
	On 1 November, I announced a package of measures to help small and medium-sized enterprises to obtain public sector contracts. They include halving the length and breadth of the pre-qualification process for small firms, and creating a single website called Contracts Finder, where businesses can locate all the contracts that are available from Government.
	We are publishing a Green Paper shortly which will ask civil society organisations and commissioners how the commissioning process can be improved in order to increase the role of charities, social enterprise, mutuals and co-operatives in public service delivery. Feedback from this consultation will inform the wider Public Services Reform White Paper to be published early in the new year. Reforms to the procurement process will form part of this work.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Access to Work Programme

David Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 19 November 2010,  Official Report, columns, 992-993W, on the access to work programme, when he expects to place in the Library a copy of the latest version of the Jobcentre Plus guidance referred to in her answer.

Maria Miller: I can confirm that the latest version of Access to Work guidance has been placed in the Library.

Benefits

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of households in each local authority in each English region likely to be affected by the introduction of the proposed upper limit on benefits entitlement.

Steve Webb: The information requested is not available.
	The Chancellor's announcement in the spending review of a benefit cap was informed by high-level consideration of the broad impacts. We are now working up the more detailed design. When we introduce legislation for the implementation of the cap, we will publish an impact assessment.

Council Tax

Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of  (a) new council tax benefit claims made to each local authority were dealt with within 25 days and  (b) amended council tax benefit claims were dealt with within 10 days in the last 12 months; what the average cost to the public purse of each transaction was; and how much on average was paid out.

Steve Webb: The requested information on claims dealt with within 25 days, and change of circumstances dealt with within 10 days has been placed in the Library.
	The average cost of each of these transactions is not available.
	The average amount paid out for these transactions is not available.

Departmental Food

Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether his Department has guidelines on ensuring that food used for his Department's official functions is of domestic origin.

Chris Grayling: The Department does not procure food directly, but has a contract for the provision of fully serviced accommodation which includes catering. The contract is with Telereal Trillium and their catering services supplier is Eurest (part of the Compass Group UK and Ireland).
	The Department works with these suppliers, actively promoting Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs guidelines that food procured meets British or equivalent standards of production wherever this can be achieved without increasing overall costs.

Departmental Press: Subscriptions

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much  (a) his Department and  (b) the non-departmental public bodies for which he is responsible spent on press cuttings services in each of the last 12 months.

Chris Grayling: The Department has taken steps to reduce the cost of receiving press cuttings over the last 12 months. We have now reduced our monthly spend by more than half and continue to look at ways to make further reductions.
	 Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
	Cost per month for DWP access to press cuttings service (excluding VAT):
	
		
			   Cost (£) 
			  2009  
			 November 21,656.68 
			 December 17,211.97 
			   
			  2010  
			 January 15,543.40 
			 February 18,747.85 
			 March 22,713.40 
			 April 17,771.14 
			 May 16,211.79 
			 June 17,834.22 
			 July 15,992.68 
			 August 7,649.03 
			 September 7,130.45 
			 October 10,681.51 
		
	
	 NDPBs co sts
	 Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission (CMEC)
	Cost per month for CMEC access to press cuttings service (excluding VAT):
	
		
			   Cost (£) 
			  2009  
			 November 293.42 
			 December 225.69 
			   
			  2010  
			 January 262.09 
			 February 267.33 
			 March 298.06 
			 April 216.46 
			 May 172.34 
			 June 229.75 
			 July 531.81 
			 August 341.22 
			 September 267.69 
			 October 390.13 
		
	
	 Health and Safety Executive (HSE)( 1)
	Cost per month for HSE access to press cuttings service (excluding VAT):
	(1) The increase in costs for September 2010 was primarily due to an unusually busy period for health and safety news including the publication of the Lord Young Report.
	
		
			   Cost (£) 
			  2009  
			 November 2,490 
			 December 2,215 
			   
			  2010  
			 January 2,489 
			 February 2,580 
			 March 2,838 
			 April 2,717 
			 May 2,101 
			 June 1,720 
			 July 1,729 
			 August 3,265 
			 September 6,141 
			 October (1)- 
			 (1) Unavailable.  Note: Figures rounded to the nearest pound. 
		
	
	 National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) corporation
	Cost per month for NEST access to press cuttings service (excluding VAT):
	
		
			   Cost (£) 
			  2009  
			 November 1,283 
			 December 1,387 
			   
			  2010  
			 January 1,975 
			 February 2,083 
			 March 2,680 
			 April 2,461 
			 May 2,261 
			 June 1,396 
			 July 2,233 
			 August 2,098 
			 September 2,558 
			  Note: Figures rounded to the nearest pound. 
		
	
	 Pension Protection Fund (PPF)
	Cost per month for PPF access to press cuttings service (excluding VAT):
	
		
			   Cost (£) 
			  2009  
			 November 1,298 
			 December 1,246 
			   
			  2010  
			 January 977 
			 February 1053 
			 March 1,132 
			 April 1,158 
			 May 1,066 
			 June 1,581 
			 July 1,242 
			 August 930 
			 September 1,020 
			 October 1,468 
			  Note: Figures rounded to the nearest pound. 
		
	
	 Remploy Ltd
	Cost per month for Remploy access to press cuttings service (excluding VAT):
	
		
			   Cost (£) 
			  2009  
			 November 375 
			 December 395 
			   
			  2010  
			 January 285 
			 February 450 
			 March 270 
			 April 310 
			 May 405 
			 June 345 
			 July 240 
			 August 490 
			 October 560 
			  Note: Figures rounded to the nearest pound. 
		
	
	 Disability Employment Advisory Committee (DEAC)
	Nil costs.
	 Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board (DLAAC)
	Nil costs.
	 Equality 2025
	Nil costs.
	 Industrial I njuries Advisory Council II AC)
	Nil costs.
	 Pension Ombudsman/Pension Protection Fund Ombudsman (PO/PPFO)
	Nil costs.
	 Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC)
	Nil costs.
	 The Pensions Advisory Service (TPAS)
	Nil costs.
	 The Pensions Regulator
	Nil costs.

Disability Living Allowance

Fiona O'Donnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether there will be circumstances in which children in receipt of the mobility component of disability living allowance who are attending residential schools will lose their entitlement to the mobility component under his proposals for welfare reform.

Maria Miller: holding answer 19 November 2010
	 Proposals for disability living allowance reform will be informed by responses to the consultation document which we will publish shortly.
	We will be making clearer as we move towards the Bill exactly how the measure to cease paying mobility component of disability living allowance to people in care homes will affect particular groups.

Employment and Support Allowance

Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how many people are claiming income-based employment and support allowance; and how many of those people cited a mental health condition as their primary reason for claiming;
	(2)  how many people are claiming income-based employment and support allowance in the support group; and how many of those people cited a mental health condition as their primary reason for claiming;
	(3)  how many people are claiming income-based employment and support allowance in the work-related activity group; and how many of those cited a mental health condition as their primary reason for claiming.

Maria Miller: The information is provided in the following table.
	The table firstly shows the full ESA caseload and those in the Work Related and Support Group respectively and then provides the same breakdown for those who have an income-based element to their case.
	The table then provides the same breakdowns but for those who fall into the mental and behavioural category.
	
		
			  Great Britain 
			   Number 
			  All ESA claimants  
			 All stages 527,120 
			 Work Related Group 109,270 
			 Support Group 39,110 
			   
			  ESA claimants with an income based element  
			 All stages 272,330 
			 Work Related Group 59,940 
			 Support Group 25,560 
			   
			  Mental and behavioural category  
			 All stages 205,700 
			 Work Related Group 43,410 
			 Support Group 12,170 
			   
			  Mental and behavioural category for ESA claimants with an income based element  
			 All stages 125,910 
			 Work Related Group 28,630 
			 Support Group 10,500 
			  Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. ESA statistics by medical condition can be found at: http://83.244.183.180/ESA/esa_additional_feb10.xls 3. Benefit type: The type of ESA is defined as pay status at the caseload date-this may differ to the status at the start or end of the claim. 4. Employment and support allowance (ESA) replaced incapacity benefit and income support paid on the grounds of incapacity for new claims from 27 October 2008 5. Stage of ESA claim: The stage of claim is derived from the amount of payment a claimant receives. There are a number of cases where the stage is unknown, these are claimants which do not receive any payment for ESA (those who receive national insurance credits only). 6. ICD (disease) code Causes of incapacity are based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision published by the World Health Organisation. Medical condition is based on evidence provided at the start of the claim, this in itself does not confer entitlement to employment support allowance and may not represent a claimant's most recent medical condition. For ESA claimants, data on medical condition are only available from February 2010 onwards.  Source: DWP Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study 100%

Employment and Support Allowance

John Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what progress his Department has made on reviewing the work capability assessment for employment and support allowance.

Chris Grayling: The Welfare Reform Act 2007 commits the Government to commissioning an independent review of the work capability assessment (WCA) annually for the first five years of its operation.
	Professor Malcolm Harrington reviewed the fairness and effectiveness of the assessment. His review, published on 23 November, found that the WCA is the right process, but that improvements could be made. The review set out a substantial series of recommendations which the Government fully accepted on the same day. As a result we will:
	Improve the capability and confidence of Decision Makers in Jobcentre Plus;
	Put in place 'champions' with additional expertise in mental, cognitive and intellectual conditions in each Atos Medical Examination Centre; and
	Make the WCA a more compassionate process.
	In addition to the independent reviews, the Department also carried out a Department-led review which was published in March 2010. This review consulted closely with medical and other experts and disability organisations and made a series of recommendations for improving the WCA. We intend to introduce these changes in spring 2011, ahead of the reassessment of incapacity benefits claimants.

Housing Benefit

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the number of individuals in households in which at least one member works for at least 16 hours per week who will  (a) have their income reduced and  (b) fall below the equivalised poverty threshold of 60 per cent. of median household income as a result of proposed changes to council tax benefit; and what the average amount is by which the income of affected households will be reduced as a result of that measure;
	(2)  what his most recent estimate is of the number of individuals in households in which at least one member works for at least 16 hours per week who will  (a) have their income reduced and  (b) fall below the equivalised poverty threshold of 60 per cent. of median household income as a result of his proposal to cap local housing allowance rates; and what the average amount is by which the income of affected households will be reduced as a result of that measure;
	(3)  what estimate he has made of the number of individuals in households in which at least one member works for at least 16 hours per week who will  (a) have their income reduced and  (b) fall below the equivalised poverty threshold of 60 per cent. of median household income as a result of uprating the local housing allowance rates with reference to the consumer prices index from 2013-14; and what the average amount is by which the income of those households will be reduced as a result of that measure;
	(4)  what estimate he has made of the number of individuals in households in which at least one member works for at least 16 hours per week who will  (a) have their income reduced and  (b) fall below the equivalised poverty threshold of 60 per cent. of median household income as a result of setting reduced local housing allowance rates at the 30th percentile of local rents; and what the average amount is by which the income of affected households will be reduced as a result of that measure;
	(5)  what estimate he has made of the number of individuals in households in which at least one member works for at least 16 hours per week who will  (a) have their income reduced and  (b) fall below the equivalised poverty threshold of 60 per cent. of median household income as a result of removing the five-bedroom local housing allowance rate; and what the average amount is by which the income of affected households will be reduced as a result of that measure.

Steve Webb: The information requested is not available and could be provided only at a disproportionate cost.
	The Department published a document on "Impacts of Housing Benefit proposals: Changes to the Local Housing Allowance to be introduced in 2011-12" and a separate equality impact assessment on the 23 July. A copy of the documents has been placed in the Library.
	The Department will publish full impact assessments for the proposed measures, in the normal way, when it lays the relevant legislation.

Housing Benefit

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what consultation he undertook with representative organisations in developing his proposals for changes to housing benefit.

Steve Webb: The Department has consulted with organisations representing local authorities, in accordance with its statutory responsibility, before making regulations in respect of changes to housing benefit.
	In addition, Ministers and officials in DWP have met representatives from a wide range of organisations with an interest in housing benefit to discuss the reforms.

Housing Benefit

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the monetary value of non-dependent deductions in housing benefit  (a) prior to the June 2010 Budget and  (b) in each year of the current Parliament.

Steve Webb: The amount of the deduction applied to awards of housing benefit in respect of non- dependants depends upon the circumstances of the non-dependant, such as their gross earnings. The current weekly values of the non-dependant deduction rates in housing benefit are as follows:
	
		
			  Earnings band  Non-dependant deduction rate (£) 
			 >=£382 47.75 
			 £306 to £381.99 43.50 
			 £231 to £305.99 38.20 
			 £178 to £230.99 23.35 
			 £120 to £177.99 17.00 
			 <£120 7.40 
			 Others(1) 7.40 
			 (1) Others: Age 25 or over and on income support/jobseeker's allowance (income-based) Age 18 or over and not in remunerative work In receipt of main phase employment and support allowance (income-related). 
		
	
	The non-dependant deduction rates that will apply from 2011-12 and future years have not yet been announced. The increased rates from 2011-12 will be included in the statement on uprating to be given to Parliament shortly and confirmed by way of legislation in the annual benefit uprating order. Implementation will be part of the Department's and local authorities' annual uprating exercises.

Housing Benefit

Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of  (a) new housing benefit claims made to each local authority were dealt with within 25 days and  (b) changed housing benefit claims were dealt with within 10 days in the last 12 months; what the average cost to the public purse of each transaction was; and how much on average was paid out.

Steve Webb: The requested information on claims dealt with within 25 days, and change of circumstances dealt with within 10 days has been placed in the Library.
	The average cost of each of these transactions is not available.
	The average amount paid out for these transactions is not available.

Housing Benefit: Further Education

Stephen Mosley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the merits of changing eligibility for housing benefit to include individuals undertaking full-time further education courses.

Steve Webb: Financial support for students comes from the education system. Housing benefit is not normally available to people who are undertaking a course of full-time education. There are some exceptions, which include people with disabilities and lone parents with dependent children. Young people under age 21 may also get housing benefit if they are undertaking a course of non-advanced or further education which they commenced before the age of 19. We have no plans to change those rules.

Housing Benefit: Private Rented Housing

Gordon Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will consider the merits of amending rules governing the payment of local housing allowance to ensure that it is paid directly to private landlords.

Steve Webb: Although housing benefit is normally paid to the tenant under the local housing allowance arrangements, there are safeguards in place for tenants who are unable or unlikely to manage their rental payments.
	We are conducting a review of the first two years' operation of the local housing allowance to monitor its impact at a national level within the limitations of the available administration data and research. The review aims to cover a range of issues that are likely to be of interest to landlords, including direct payment to tenants and the operation of the safeguards for tenants who are unable or unlikely to manage their rental payments. An in-depth focus group study of landlords concerning their attitudes to, and experiences of, the local housing allowance scheme will be included. The review is due to report in the later in the year. However, we have no plans to return to a system where tenants can simply choose to have their benefit paid to the landlord.

Housing Benefit: Vulnerable Adults

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 22 July 2010,  Official Report, column 553W, on housing benefit: vulnerable adults, what practical support for local authorities and welfare advisers he plans to provide to ensure that a comprehensive and consistent communication strategy is developed for people in receipt of housing benefit who may face a reduction in entitlement.

Steve Webb: The Government have in place a comprehensive programme of support including the provision of new guidance, best practice on discretionary housing payments as well as printed and electronic communications products. The Department for Work and Pensions will continue to provide an e-mail and telephone support service for local authorities and other stakeholders.

Housing Benefit: Womens Aid

Fiona O'Donnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effect on local authority funding of women's aid projects of changes to housing benefit.

Steve Webb: holding answer 29 November 2010
	Most of the proposed changes to housing benefit affect people in the private rented sector whose housing benefit is assessed under the local housing allowance. Housing benefit for those who live in hostels and in supported accommodation within the social and voluntary sector is not normally assessed under local housing allowance rules and is unlikely to be affected by these changes.
	Other changes to housing benefit that impact on both the private and social rented sectors such as increases to non-dependant deductions and restricting benefit where occupants are living in accommodation that is larger than they need are also unlikely to affect people in women's aid projects. The change that may have an effect is the 10% reduction in housing benefit where a person has been in receipt of jobseeker's allowance for over twelve months. This change takes affect from April 2013. We shall publish an impact assessment on the proposed measure to accompany the relevant legislation when introduced in Parliament.

Housing: Rent

Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate his Department has made of the availability of housing in each London borough with  (a) four bedrooms which can be rented at a cost at or below the proposed £400 per week housing benefit cap,  (b) three bedrooms which can be rented at a cost at or below the proposed £340 per week housing benefit cap and  (c) two bedrooms which can be rented at a cost at or below the proposed £290 per week benefit cap.

Steve Webb: The Department published a document on "Impacts of Housing Benefit proposals: Changes to the Local Housing Allowance to be introduced in 2011-12" on 23 July, which includes breakdowns at the local authority level and an assessment of the impact on availability of accommodation. A copy of the document has been placed in the Library.

Incapacity Benefit

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many appeals against decisions to disallow incapacity benefit there have been in each year since it was introduced in 1995; and how many were decided in favour of the appellant.

Maria Miller: The information requested is not available, and can be provided only at a disproportionate cost.

Invalid Vehicles

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people who will have their entitlement to a motability car withdrawn in the 2010-11 financial year; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Miller: Eligibility to the Motability scheme is dependent on a person being paid the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance (DLA). Motability vehicles may be withdrawn where a person ceases to be entitled to the higher rate mobility component of DLA either because they cease to satisfy the conditions of entitlement for that component or the eligible person dies. No estimate has been made of the number of such people in the current financial year.

Mortgages: Government Assistance

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he plans to take steps to assist those claiming support for mortgage interest whose mortgage interest rate is substantially higher than the standard interest rate used to calculate support payments.

Steve Webb: One of the reasons for the introduction of the standard interest rate in 1995 was that the actual interest rates met under the previous system were sometimes excessive. The policy intention is not that support for mortgage interest should meet high interest rates. It is important that only reasonable costs are met, in order to protect the taxpayer.
	When the amount provided through benefit is less than the lender's rate charged on the loan, the responsibility lies with the claimant, working together with the lender, to meet any shortfall in payments.
	The Government will continue to explore with mortgage lenders the scope for them to "freeze" benefit claimants' mortgage accounts and apply a standard interest rate for a fixed period. In the meantime, the Government will continue to work closely with lenders and debt advice agencies to ensure that repossession is only ever a last resort, and expects to see lenders continuing to offer support and forbearance to their customers who are struggling with their mortgage.

MRI Scans

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department has taken to implement the provisions of EU Directive 2004/40/EC as amended; and whether the directive will affect the use of MRI scans before neurological operations such as microvascular decompression for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

Chris Grayling: The implementation of Directive 2004/40/EC has been delayed for precisely this issue. A legislative proposal to amend the directive is expected from the European Commission shortly and the Government will seek to ensure the revised directive does not adversely affect the use of MRI scans.

Pensions: Consumer Price Index

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what methodology he used to determine his policy on the use of the consumer prices index as a measure of inflation in respect of pensions.

Steve Webb: The decision to use the consumer prices index (CPI) as the measure of inflation for indexation of benefits and pensions was taken in light of relevant factors, including the profile of price inflation indices and their features, and taken within the wider fiscal context.
	An example of a feature which led us to decide that the CPI was a better reflection of pensioners' inflationary experience was the fact that the retail prices index includes mortgage interest payments. Mortgage interest payments are not relevant to the majority of pensioners, of whom only 7% have a mortgage.

Social Security Benefits

Alun Michael: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much of the £2.1 billion funding for the implementation of universal credit will be allocated to IT development.

Chris Grayling: Plans for the implementation of universal credit are still in development and details will be set out in due course.

Social Security Benefits: Social Rented Housing

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether households in social housing where rents are set at 80% of market rents will be affected by the proposed upper limit on benefits entitlement.

Steve Webb: The current assumption is that the upper limit on benefit entitlement will apply to all housing benefit recipients, including those in the social sector whose rents have been set at 80% of market rents. However, those households who receive disability living allowance and working tax credit will not be subject to the overall limit.

State Retirement Pensions

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people are in receipt of total state pension payments of  (a) less than £50,  (b) less than £100,  (c) less than £150,  (d) less than £200 and  (e) more than £200 per week.

Steve Webb: The information is in the following table.
	
		
			  Number of state pension recipients by total weekly payment 
			   All payments  Less than £50  Less than £100  Less than £150  Less than £200  £200 and over 
			 All 12,540,750 1,075,020 5,002,030 10,980,420 12,258,690 282,060 
			 GB 11,380,370 300,780 3,985,670 9,851,560 11,104,360 276,010 
			 Overseas 1,160,380 774,240 1,016,360 1,128,850 1,154,330 6,050 
			  Notes: 1. Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Total weekly payment includes: (i) basic State Pension, net additional pension (SERPS and State Second Pension) and Graduated Retirement Benefit; (ii) age addition and dependency increases; and (iii) increments.  Source: DWP Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study, as at May 2010